THE 30th CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP 30) HAITI AT COP30
I. Context In 1992, at the Rio Summit, 154 States, recognizing the existence of human-induced climate change, decided to join their efforts to limit global warming. Thus was born the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (or UNFCCC) and its decision-making body, the Conference of the Parties (or COP).
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince · · 5 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
I. Context
In 1992, at the Rio Summit, 154 States, recognizing the existence of human-induced climate change, decided to join their efforts to limit global warming. Thus was born the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (or UNFCCC) and its decision-making body, the Conference of the Parties (or COP).
A COP, bringing together the 198 “Parties to the Convention,” is held annually. Each one allows for a review of the Convention's application, clarification of decision implementation, and negotiation of new commitments with common or individual objectives. Decisions are made by consensus. At COPs, the European Union (EU) speaks with one voice. Ahead of COPs, EU member states coordinate on a negotiating mandate. The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) was organized from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, under Brazilian presidency. Ten years after COP21, which led to the historic adoption of the Paris Agreement, this new conference represents an additional step to accelerate the implementation of climate commitments. The results of COP30 were essential for meeting the set objectives, particularly the goal of keeping the increase in the planet's average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
II. Objective: 2025, a decisive year for the climate
The year 2025 marks a significant moment in the fight against climate change. The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) was held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21. It was preceded by a segment for heads of state and government on November 6 and 7, which the President of the Republic of Brazil will attend.
III. Major Decisions of COP30
1. Preserving the 1.5°C trajectory: a global priority Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the observation is alarming: the 1.5°C warming threshold is more threatened than ever. Every additional tenth of a degree exacerbates climate disasters and weakens global stability. France, including through the voice of the EU, advocates for COP30 to be an opportunity to:
Adopt a decision on greenhouse gas emission mitigation, defining ways to collectively strengthen efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly by accelerating the implementation of the historic COP28 decision on the gradual phasing out of fossil fuels. Promote increased mobilization of all stakeholders (international organizations, multilateral banks, private sector, cities, regions, etc.) and concrete solutions strengthening national implementation of countries' commitments and international cooperation for the climate.
2. Accelerating adaptation to climate change Adaptation to the impacts of climate change must become a reality for populations. France dedicates one-third of its climate financing to this each year. In terms of adaptation, France focuses primarily on the country or countries and populations most vulnerable to climate change, and pays strong attention to issues of gender, social inclusion, and human rights.
3. Minimizing the impacts of climate change
France is fully committed to helping countries respond to the impacts of climate change and to protecting populations. At COP21, it launched the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative, which aims to help populations through early warnings. More than 111 million people worldwide are better protected with the help of CREWS.
France also supports the Loss and Damage Fund, whose first projects are expected to start in 2026, thanks to the mobilization of the French co-presidency since the fund's launch in March 2024.
4. Mobilizing all stakeholders around the action agenda
The mobilization of non-governmental actors, businesses, local authorities, scientists, and philanthropic organizations is essential to strengthen the ambition and transparency of climate commitments.
Climate science, as reported in the latest IPCC reports, must continue to guide decisions. France reaffirms the need to protect scientific research against disinformation and to rely on solid data to act.
IV. Haiti's Participation in COP30
The Haitian delegation to COP30 was composed of government representatives and civil society, including the Ministry of Environment, the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP), and the TètKole Ti Peyizan Organization. Haiti's participation in this event aimed to advocate for climate justice, highlighting the devastating impacts of climate disruption on the country, to defend small island states against the effects of climate change, and to strengthen the country's resilience and environmental governance.
V. Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment in Haiti
In Haiti, environmental problems related to climate change are numerous and exacerbated by the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. The main challenges include deforestation, pollution, soil degradation, dwindling water resources, and natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, which have serious socio-economic consequences and affect food security and public health.
VI. Haiti's Vulnerability to the Challenge of Climate Disruption
Extreme weather events, such as rising temperatures, droughts, and floods, threaten the lives of Haitians. Deforestation, often due to demand for firewood and unsustainable agricultural practices, makes agricultural land less productive and more vulnerable to landslides. Soil erosion, in turn, degrades water quality and increases the risk of flooding. These problems have socio-economic consequences on the lives of Haitians, leading to migration, increased poverty, food insecurity, and health problems.
VII. Climate Risks in Haiti
Ranked first in the global climate risk index and third in the long-term climate risk index, Haiti is at the forefront of climate vulnerability. According to the World Bank, 96% of its population is exposed to a myriad of climate-related risks, from rising temperatures to intensifying hurricanes and coastal erosion. These challenges are exacerbated by environmental degradation and land-use planning issues, which pose a serious threat to infrastructure, agriculture, and human life. Other shocks are due to seismic risks.
VIII. Security Risks
However, Haiti's difficulties extend beyond environmental domains to encompass security problems of another nature. With approximately 175,000 internally displaced persons due to violence, insecurity permeates many facets of daily life. The prevalence of violence in certain regions has forced vulnerable communities, men, women, and children, to flee their homes in search of safety. This can lead them to places exposed to climate change, exacerbating existing poverty and social disparities, and potentially leading to conflicts over scarce natural resources. The interaction between security challenges and environmental vulnerabilities creates a complex web of cross-cutting risks that threaten the stability and well-being of Haitian society. The erosion of social cohesion and governance issues further aggravate the situation, creating fertile ground for conflict and unrest.
Gédéon Pierre André, Engineer, Researcher, Doctor in Environmental Science,
Specialist in Public Management, Territorial Community Management
The Journal of Environmental Research
In 1992, at the Rio Summit, 154 States, recognizing the existence of human-induced climate change, decided to join their efforts to limit global warming. Thus was born the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (or UNFCCC) and its decision-making body, the Conference of the Parties (or COP).
A COP, bringing together the 198 “Parties to the Convention,” is held annually. Each one allows for a review of the Convention's application, clarification of decision implementation, and negotiation of new commitments with common or individual objectives. Decisions are made by consensus. At COPs, the European Union (EU) speaks with one voice. Ahead of COPs, EU member states coordinate on a negotiating mandate. The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) was organized from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, under Brazilian presidency. Ten years after COP21, which led to the historic adoption of the Paris Agreement, this new conference represents an additional step to accelerate the implementation of climate commitments. The results of COP30 were essential for meeting the set objectives, particularly the goal of keeping the increase in the planet's average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
II. Objective: 2025, a decisive year for the climate
The year 2025 marks a significant moment in the fight against climate change. The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) was held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21. It was preceded by a segment for heads of state and government on November 6 and 7, which the President of the Republic of Brazil will attend.
III. Major Decisions of COP30
1. Preserving the 1.5°C trajectory: a global priority Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the observation is alarming: the 1.5°C warming threshold is more threatened than ever. Every additional tenth of a degree exacerbates climate disasters and weakens global stability. France, including through the voice of the EU, advocates for COP30 to be an opportunity to:
Adopt a decision on greenhouse gas emission mitigation, defining ways to collectively strengthen efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly by accelerating the implementation of the historic COP28 decision on the gradual phasing out of fossil fuels. Promote increased mobilization of all stakeholders (international organizations, multilateral banks, private sector, cities, regions, etc.) and concrete solutions strengthening national implementation of countries' commitments and international cooperation for the climate.
2. Accelerating adaptation to climate change Adaptation to the impacts of climate change must become a reality for populations. France dedicates one-third of its climate financing to this each year. In terms of adaptation, France focuses primarily on the country or countries and populations most vulnerable to climate change, and pays strong attention to issues of gender, social inclusion, and human rights.
3. Minimizing the impacts of climate change
France is fully committed to helping countries respond to the impacts of climate change and to protecting populations. At COP21, it launched the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative, which aims to help populations through early warnings. More than 111 million people worldwide are better protected with the help of CREWS.
France also supports the Loss and Damage Fund, whose first projects are expected to start in 2026, thanks to the mobilization of the French co-presidency since the fund's launch in March 2024.
4. Mobilizing all stakeholders around the action agenda
The mobilization of non-governmental actors, businesses, local authorities, scientists, and philanthropic organizations is essential to strengthen the ambition and transparency of climate commitments.
Climate science, as reported in the latest IPCC reports, must continue to guide decisions. France reaffirms the need to protect scientific research against disinformation and to rely on solid data to act.
IV. Haiti's Participation in COP30
The Haitian delegation to COP30 was composed of government representatives and civil society, including the Ministry of Environment, the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP), and the TètKole Ti Peyizan Organization. Haiti's participation in this event aimed to advocate for climate justice, highlighting the devastating impacts of climate disruption on the country, to defend small island states against the effects of climate change, and to strengthen the country's resilience and environmental governance.
V. Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment in Haiti
In Haiti, environmental problems related to climate change are numerous and exacerbated by the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. The main challenges include deforestation, pollution, soil degradation, dwindling water resources, and natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, which have serious socio-economic consequences and affect food security and public health.
VI. Haiti's Vulnerability to the Challenge of Climate Disruption
Extreme weather events, such as rising temperatures, droughts, and floods, threaten the lives of Haitians. Deforestation, often due to demand for firewood and unsustainable agricultural practices, makes agricultural land less productive and more vulnerable to landslides. Soil erosion, in turn, degrades water quality and increases the risk of flooding. These problems have socio-economic consequences on the lives of Haitians, leading to migration, increased poverty, food insecurity, and health problems.
VII. Climate Risks in Haiti
Ranked first in the global climate risk index and third in the long-term climate risk index, Haiti is at the forefront of climate vulnerability. According to the World Bank, 96% of its population is exposed to a myriad of climate-related risks, from rising temperatures to intensifying hurricanes and coastal erosion. These challenges are exacerbated by environmental degradation and land-use planning issues, which pose a serious threat to infrastructure, agriculture, and human life. Other shocks are due to seismic risks.
VIII. Security Risks
However, Haiti's difficulties extend beyond environmental domains to encompass security problems of another nature. With approximately 175,000 internally displaced persons due to violence, insecurity permeates many facets of daily life. The prevalence of violence in certain regions has forced vulnerable communities, men, women, and children, to flee their homes in search of safety. This can lead them to places exposed to climate change, exacerbating existing poverty and social disparities, and potentially leading to conflicts over scarce natural resources. The interaction between security challenges and environmental vulnerabilities creates a complex web of cross-cutting risks that threaten the stability and well-being of Haitian society. The erosion of social cohesion and governance issues further aggravate the situation, creating fertile ground for conflict and unrest.
Gédéon Pierre André, Engineer, Researcher, Doctor in Environmental Science,
Specialist in Public Management, Territorial Community Management
The Journal of Environmental Research
