Brazil’s environment minister marina silva reflects on cop30’s impact and the fight against climate inaction

In an exclusive interview following COP30, Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva drew a stark comparison between humanity’s current climate crisis and the extinction of dinosaurs, emphasizing that unlike the ancient creatures, we have the knowledge and capability to prevent our own demise.

Silva, who was born and raised in the Amazon rainforest, brings unparalleled expertise to her role as Brazil’s top environmental official. Her deep connection to the region and its defenders runs through her personal history—she was a close associate of murdered environmental activist Chico Mendes, giving her intimate knowledge of the sacrifices made by those protecting the world’s largest rainforest. This background positioned her as one of the most influential voices at COP30, the first climate summit ever held in the Amazon.

During the wide-ranging conversation in Altamira, Silva discussed what she termed “ambassadors of harm”—likely referring to those who actively undermine climate action—while reflecting on both the achievements and limitations of the historic climate summit. Her reference to dinosaurs and meteors serves as a powerful metaphor for the current moment: while prehistoric creatures faced extinction from an unpredictable cosmic event, humanity faces a crisis of its own making, but with the crucial advantage of scientific understanding and the ability to change course.

The interview explores Silva’s assessment of COP30’s outcomes and her vision for the urgent climate action needed to protect both the Amazon and the planet’s future.