In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, podcast host Hisham Allam interviewed Rebecca Thissen, Global lead Multilateral processes at CAN International, for an in-depth look at the real outcomes of COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Thissen, a veteran defender of climate justice, shared her perspective as a COP30 participant on how high-stakes negotiations and geopolitical tensions shaped both the atmosphere and the decisions at this much-anticipated summit.
Download the transcript of this episode.
Thissen described COP30 as “very challenging,” and pointed to “geopolitical tensions, wars, and trade conflicts” influencing positions and making consensus elusive. Yet, she recognized one key shift:
The episode explored why climate action must move “beyond headlines and buzzwords,” and how real change depended on connecting global decisions to the lived experiences of those most affected.
A major outcome of COP30, Thissen explained, was the Belem Action Mechanism—a just transition framework designed to bridge global commitments with local realities.
“It was probably the most important decision made at COP30,” she said, “with the potential to help connect, in a much more concrete manner, the reality of transition on the ground to decisions.” She emphasized the power of bringing marginalized voices, from workers to trade unions to civil society, “to the table” for meaningful solutions.
The conversation turned to finance, where Thissen was candid about ongoing obstacles:
And while the summit pledged to triple adaptation finance by 2035, she cautioned, “there is no clarity, no baseline, no timeline—just logos rather than concrete action.”
Still, Thissen chose optimism, grounded in science and solidarity: “We didn’t have the luxury to not be optimistic… Every tiny degree saved was already impacting billions of lives. But climate action without centering people, communities, and justice was just not working.” Her closing message: for COP31 and beyond, climate justice must move from preamble to principle—otherwise, we risk leaving most of the world behind.
Listen to the full episode on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged.
