The streets of Belém erupt in a powerful call for climate action, as the world watches the pivotal Cop30 summit unfold. But this time, the protest is not just about saving the planet; it's a fight for survival.
Thousands of passionate individuals gathered in a massive demonstration, marking the first significant protest outside the climate talks since Cop26 in Glasgow, four years ago. The previous gatherings in Egypt, Dubai, and Azerbaijan were not as accommodating to public displays of dissent.
The 'Great People's March' reached its peak, coinciding with the midpoint of the tense negotiations. This march followed two Indigenous-led protests that set the tone earlier in the week.
A striking scene unfolded: Indigenous protesters, adorned with face paint and traditional headdresses, gathered beneath an enormous inflatable globe, their chants echoing through the streets. Among them was Raquel Wapichana, who journeyed nine hours from Roraima, holding a sign that read, 'Let's struggle.' Her message was clear: 'We are here to defend our land, our rivers, and our heritage from the encroachment of mining, agribusiness, and land invasions. Our very existence is at stake.'
But here's where it gets symbolic: A macabre yet powerful display, dubbed the 'funeral for fossil fuels,' captured the imagination of onlookers. Twelve mourners, dressed in black, stood beneath towering ghoul puppets and three massive coffins labeled 'coal,' 'oil,' and 'gas.' One participant, Krishna, an actor from Belém, stood out with her Victorian-era horror-inspired attire, complete with a black lace veil and umbrella. She passionately stated, 'Our art and our lives are weapons in this fight. We must rid ourselves of fossil fuels to secure a future for our children.'
The march was a tapestry of causes. In one anti-capitalist segment, a large banner proclaimed, 'The environmental collapse is capitalist: Lula, the energy transition with Amazon oil is a farce.' The Spanish socialist anthem, Bella Ciao, filled the air as Maria Melia of the Quilombola Movement marched against the Amazon's exploitation and a water transport project threatening her community's territory.
Support for Palestine was ubiquitous, with flags and chants expressing solidarity. Brazilian music, including the beloved song Anunçiação by Alçeu Valença, energized the crowd.
As the summit continues for another week, uncertainty looms over its outcome. The Brazilian hosts have opted for a different approach, focusing on implementation rather than a traditional cover decision. The specifics of this implementation remain unclear, leaving delegates grappling with crucial issues like climate finance, trade, transparency, and the shortcomings of recently submitted national climate plans.
And this is the part that demands attention: The march, a symbol of resilience and determination, is expected to continue for several hours, leaving its mark on the city and, hopefully, on the global climate agenda.
