COP30: Birds Show Us the Way to Climate Solutions

This month, Audubon experts will travel to the heart of the Amazon rainforest—not to study birds in the wild (at least not this time), but to demonstrate how Audubon’s science, conservation work, strategic partnerships and policy innovations can help solve the climate crisis. 

COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, opens November 10 in Belém, Brazil. For two weeks, this city on the banks of the Amazon River will host representatives from more than 190 countries, along with Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, international bodies, and conservation leaders from around the world. Together, they’ll work to advance solutions that halt and reverse global climate change—and strengthen our collective ability to adapt to its inevitable impacts. 

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing bird populations across the hemisphere. The decisions made in Belém will help determine our ability to protect both the birds and the planet we love for generations to come. 

Why Birds Matter at a Climate Summit 

Birds are powerful indicators of ecosystem health and climate impacts. When bird populations thrive, they signal that forests, grasslands, wetlands, and other habitats are healthy. When they struggle, they show us where natural systems—and people—are under stress. 

That’s why Audubon’s science-based approach to conservation resonates in global climate discussions. Protecting the habitats birds depend on also safeguards the natural systems that store carbon, provide clean water, and help communities adapt to a changing climate. 

The Power of Collective Action 

One key theme likely to emerge from COP30 is the continued importance of working together across borders to confront the climate crisis. 

This year has tested the international system: negotiations have been challenging, and some countries have stepped back from certain agreements to focus on domestic priorities. 

Yet nearly all nations will gather in Belém to renew their commitment to collective action on one of the most urgent challenges facing life on Earth. They will negotiate new decisions, advance conservation programs, and announce initiatives to reduce emissions and build resilience. 

By the end of two weeks, the world should be reminded that international cooperation remains essential—and that climate diplomacy can still deliver results. 

Forests, Finance, and Flying Forward 

With Brazil as host and the Amazon as backdrop, COP30 will spotlight forests, nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, and Indigenous leadership in conservation. A historic gathering of Indigenous leaders in Belém will highlight the intrinsic connection between healthy ecosystems, thriving communities, and a stable climate. 

Expected highlights include: 

Updated National Climate Targets 

Countries party to the Paris Agreement have been submitting their 2035 climate goals (NDCs). Some have raised ambition; others have fallen short. COP30 offers a moment to celebrate progress while confronting the gap between current commitments and what science demands. 

Audubon’s clean energy and natural climate solutions programs are helping close that gap across the hemisphere. 

A Roadmap for Climate Finance 

At COP29, countries adopted a goal of mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually for climate action by 2035, with $300 billion from public sources. Over the past year, the COP29 and 30 presidencies have worked to define how that goal will be achieved. 

The final roadmap, set for release before COP30, will be a central focus in Belém. Audubon’s science identifies ecosystems where investment can deliver the greatest benefits for climate, birds, and people. 

Tracking Progress on Adaptation 

Building on a decision from COP28, countries are expected to adopt indicators for measuring adaptation progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation. 

Audubon’s programs across the hemisphere conserve and restore habitats that will be critical to helping birds—and people—adapt to a warming world. 

Launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility 

Heads of state are expected to officially launch the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) in Belém—a groundbreaking financing initiative that could generate $125 billion to support countries keeping forests intact. 

At least 20 percent of funds will go directly to Indigenous Peoples and local communities. 

New Audubon research underscores the importance of tropical forests in the Americas as climate strongholds for birds, making mechanisms like the TFFF essential for their long-term survival. 

Audubon at COP30 

Audubon’s delegation will be active throughout COP30, ensuring that birds—and the ecosystems they rely on—remain central to climate discussions. 

Our team will share the latest science, strengthen partnerships with conservation organizations and development banks, and identify new opportunities to expand our impact across the hemisphere. 

In addition to meetings, closed-door discussions, and bird outings, Audubon will host several public events. 

Follow Along 

We’ll be sharing updates throughout the conference on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. 

Follow along to see how Audubon’s hemispheric science is driving climate solutions that benefit birds, people, and the planet. 

The birds are showing us the way—now it’s up to us to follow.