Cop30 president calls out wealthy nations for climate complacency while praising china’s clean energy leadership

As the world prepares for COP30, the crucial UN climate conference beginning Monday, Brazil’s diplomatic leader is delivering a stark message to developed countries: stop making excuses and start following China’s example on clean energy innovation.

André Corrêa do Lago, the Brazilian diplomat serving as COP30 president, has accused wealthy nations of losing their drive to combat climate change just when urgent action is most needed. Meanwhile, he points to China as the standout performer, rapidly scaling up both production and deployment of clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.

Rather than viewing China’s dominance in the clean energy sector as unfair competition, Lago argues that other countries should see it as a roadmap for success. His comments highlight a growing tension in international climate politics, where some Western nations have expressed concerns about being outpaced by Chinese manufacturers in the green technology market, sometimes leading to trade disputes and protectionist policies.

The timing of these remarks is significant as COP30 represents a critical juncture for global climate action. With the world still falling short of the emissions reductions needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, Lago’s message underscores the urgency of ramping up clean energy deployment globally. His call for countries to embrace rather than resist the clean energy transition—regardless of which nation leads in manufacturing—reflects the stark reality that climate change requires unprecedented international cooperation and rapid technological transformation across all economies.