Insights and Analysis

COP 30: What businesses need to know from the COP of Truth

15 December 2025

In November 2025, nearly 60,000 delegates arrived in Belém, Brazil for the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (“COP30”). Brazil, holding the presidency, promised a “COP of Truth” that would set countries firmly on the path to implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The ambition of the talks was marred by geopolitics. The absence of the United States, the world's largest economy and historical top emitter, emboldened countries with fossil fuel interests. Despite ambitious rhetoric, the summit was ultimately underscored by deep disagreements and a lack of consensus on key issues. In this briefing, we reflect on the main themes and takeaways for businesses from COP30: including the failure to reach agreement on a fossil fuel roadmap and some key outcomes in relation to nature and indigenous peoples, climate finance and global trade issues.

Read more about COP30 and what comes next in this briefing.

Our global Climate Sustainability and ESG practice brings together a multidisciplinary global team that provides clients with best-in-market support. We are following developments relating to climate, sustainability and ESG-related themes, so please get in touch if you would like to discuss.

This note is intended to be a general guide to the latest ESG developments. It does not constitute legal advice.

Authored by Bryony Widdup, Emily Julier, Jodi Coffman and Olivia Wisden.