Join our Knowledge Xchange to hear reflections on COP30 from Chumpi Vargas with Sam Baker.
COP30 has been mired in the complexity and politics that we have been accustomed to, but some are more hopeful. Chumpi, whose participation at COP has helped bring Achuar and Amazonian Indigenous perspectives to the conference, will discuss his experience and reflections on the outcomes with Sam, with plenty of time for Q and A.
Bad COP?
Wealthy countries (including the UK) are obstructing progress on a just transition / national level displays of obscene greed on display / any progress undermined by the fossil fuel companies who control the process / the US, the world’s second biggest polluter, has failed to send anyone to Belém / the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), a headline proposals, seen as a “false solution” that perpetuates harmful capitalist logic / some key country NDCs are still missing e.g. and current submissions would result in temperature rises of about 2.5°C / a fossil fuel phase-out has not been part of the official COP30 agenda...
OR Good?
Nearly 120 NDCs have so far been filed / the push for a “just transition” to a clean economy has been gaining momentum, with support for the creation of a “Belem Action Mechanism” as a formal UN body / South Korea – the fourth-largest importer of thermal coal importer globally, has joined a group of about 60 countries pledging to wean itself off the fossil fuel / countries and key sectors mobilised to implement commitment to quadruple sustainable fuels / Acceleration of Climate Action and Progress in People-Centred Initiatives highlighted
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A proud member of the Achuar Indigenous community of Kapawi, Chumpi has spent 30 years guiding visitors through one of the most remote and biodiverse regions of the country. As one of the first staff members of the ecolodge, he has played a key role in shaping it into a model of community-based ecotourism. He was recently elected to become the General Manager of the Kapawi Ecolodge Tourist Services Association.
Chumpi's commitment to his community extends beyond tourism. He is actively involved in preparing Achuar youth for the future — teaching traditional culture and language, while also encouraging sustainable employment opportunities that support both people and the forest. His participation at COP30 has helped bring Achuar perspectives and Amazonian Indigenous voices to the global stage — a crucial step toward protecting the rainforest and the rights of its peoples.
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Sam is a Director of Business Declares and has been tracking progress made by COPs since COP26, when he led a walk from London to Glasgow (Walk2COP26); this was followed by Walk2COP27.
On joining Business Declares, a Race to Zero partner, he has continued to follow the COPs and particularly business participation. Climate action and a just transition are both central to the work we do, as seen in the Business Declares Manifesto.