Salesians At COP30

(ANS – Belem) - The world has gathered in Belém, Pará, Brazil, for COP30 — the United Nations’ yearly meeting where countries decide how to act on climate change. With the Amazon at center stage and the Church’s call from Laudato Si’ to care for our common home, this is a moment that invites a Salesian response. The Salesian team, under Fr Mathew Thomas, based in New York at the UN, Fr Silvio Torres from Argentina, and a representative from Brazil, part of the Don Bosco Green Team representing Don Bosco Green Alliance, are there to be part of COP30, that will be held between 10-21 November.  The journey of COP 30 began on the morning of 10th November with representatives from all over the world.

Here is an interview from Fr Mathew Thomas, Salesian representative at the United Nations, who is participating in this COP30.

What is COP30?
COP30 is the 30th “Conference of the Parties” to the UN climate agreement. Almost every nation takes part. They negotiate how to cut pollution, prepare for climate impacts, and fund solutions—especially in places most at risk. COP30 is being held in Belém from November 10–21, 2025. Members of the Salesian Family are present there, and this presence matters. It is also the right time for Salesian Youth to show up—at COP venues and at other environment related platforms around the world.

Why does COP30 matter so much now?
We are at a turning point. Global warming is pushing past safe limits, and the world must act faster. Hosting COP30 in Brazil places a focus on the Amazon—a region vital for climate balance, biodiversity, and the lives of Indigenous and local communities. Leaders will be pressed to strengthen their national climate plans, support communities to adapt, protect those most affected, and ensure financing reaches the countries that need it most.

What are the main issues at COP30?
First, the goal remains to keep global warming below 1.5°C. This is the benchmark against which progress is measured because every fraction of a degree matters for human lives and ecosystems.
Second, countries must both reduce emissions (mitigation) and prepare for impacts already happening (adaptation). This means moving away from fossil fuels, improving energy use, and making communities more resilient to heat, storms, and floods.
Third, finance is crucial. Resources and technology must reach developing countries so that solutions are fair and effective.
Fourth, inclusion and justice are essential. Climate change hits hardest those with the least resources—especially Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and nations in the Global South. Their voices and leadership must shape decisions.
Finally, forests and nature-based solutions are key parts of the answer. Protecting and restoring the Amazon and other ecosystems helps store carbon, safeguard water, and support livelihoods.

Why should you(th) care?
The choices made now will shape your future, your jobs, health, safety, and the places you call home. Youth voices already influence leaders and policies, and participation from civil society is growing at COPs. The shift to cleaner, fairer economies is opening new opportunities in technology, agriculture, planning, education, and community work. And because we share one common home, what happens in one region affects all of us; your actions can help others, and theirs can help you.

How can you get involved—even if you’re not a negotiator?
Stay informed about what happens at COP30 and learn what your country has promised. Take local action in your school, parish, university, or community: reduce waste and energy use, care for trees and water, and support greener transport. Lift up the voices of Indigenous and local groups, giving credit and seeking consent when sharing their stories. Ask your political leaders about your country’s climate plan (its “NDC”) and what more they will do. Align your daily choices with your values to speak with credibility. Use art, music, video, and events to explain climate issues in simple, human terms and to inspire others.

What do you think is the Salesian role in this COP30?
The Salesian mission to form and accompany our young people to become hopeful, skilled, and faith-filled protectors of creation is definitely our prime objective. This is a providential time for the Salesian Family. With reason, faith, and loving-kindness, we can help young people become guardians of creation, practical, joyful, and courageous. We need to stand with the Amazon, listen to those most affected, and act together for our common home. Small steps taken today can light the way for a more just and hopeful tomorrow.

Fr. Mathew Thomas SDB,
Salesian Representative to the United Nations
COP 30, Belem, 10 November 2025