That the port city of Belém is hosting this year's climate summit is symbolic. The city is located on the edge of the Amazon, but the decision poses problems for the participants.
It's too complicated, all this logistics, and it looks too expensive in relation to our budget, says Kaspar Melnis, Latvian climate and energy minister.
He questions why Brazil did not choose a larger city.
It would have been easier for everyone.
"Unclear information"
With a strained budget situation at home, he sees no other option than to let the delegation – in recent years four, five people – stay at home. Several other countries are thinking along the same lines, according to The Washington Post.
There has been unclear information for a long time about the costs, about how to accommodate. It has not directly made the decision easier, says Melnis.
"Half the conversation"
Much of what is going on at COP is about informal meetings, participating in seminars and meeting representatives from civil society.
Being there remotely is like only participating in half the conversation. It's never as good as doing it in person.
He sees a risk that the cost will cause other representatives to stay at home. At the same time, the fossil lobby, which has plenty of money, can probably show up as usual.
We know that they use all their chances, and those chances can become more when other countries that are fighting against fossil fuels may not do so.
The UN's climate summits, COP, are held in different locations every year. COP stands for "Conference of the Parties" and refers to the parties in the UN's climate convention.
COP30 is being held this year in Belém in Brazil, from November 10 to 21.
