Earth reality check – Image: X@/volcaholic1 EU divided ahead of COP30 in Brazil; Chaos over climate goals; The green dream falters? The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) began in Belem, Brazil on Monday, bringing together nearly 50,000 participants from more than 190 countries, including diplomats, policymakers and climate experts, for an 11-day event in the Amazon region. The press center was one of the areas affected, with videos of the flooding being widely shared on social media.

The sound of heavy rain also disrupted several press conferences, with UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi commenting that he was unable to hear the questions asked, as quoted by Folha de S. Paulo.

Many social media users highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that a climate conference aimed at addressing environmental challenges was disrupted by severe weather. “One day, there’s a shortage of water. The next, there’s a surplus.

This time they outdone themselves!” A comment on X read. Stopped.

According to the United Nations, two security personnel suffered minor injuries. The incident occurred late in the day as attendees were leaving the climate talks venue.

“Earlier this evening, a group of protesters breached security barriers at the main entrance to the COP, causing minor injuries to two security staff and minor damage to the venue,” UN Climate Change said in a statement, according to the AP report. Some protesters entering the venue were heard saying, “They can’t make decisions for us without us,” highlighting tensions over the level of Indigenous participation at the conference.