Fire erupts at cop30 climate summit site in brazil as bbc reporter witnesses “huge columns of smoke”

A fire broke out at the venue hosting the United Nations COP30 climate talks in Brazil, creating dramatic scenes as international delegates and media gathered to address the global climate crisis. BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, who was covering the summit, witnessed the incident firsthand and reported seeing “huge columns of smoke” rising from the affected area.

The timing of the fire adds an unsettling backdrop to the crucial climate negotiations, where world leaders and environmental experts are meeting to discuss urgent action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming. COP30 represents a critical moment in international climate diplomacy, as countries work to strengthen their commitments under the Paris Agreement and address the accelerating impacts of climate change.

While details about the cause and extent of the fire remain limited, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and fire risks that scientists link to rising global temperatures. Brazil has been particularly affected by devastating wildfires in recent years, with the Amazon rainforest and other ecosystems facing unprecedented threats from both climate change and human activities.

The fire’s impact on the summit proceedings has not yet been fully determined, but it underscores the urgency of the climate discussions taking place. As delegates work to hammer out agreements on emissions reductions, climate finance, and adaptation measures, the dramatic scene outside the conference halls provides a visceral reminder of why their negotiations matter for the planet’s future.