Brazilian officials are objecting to calls for increased military spending amid efforts to encourage international cooperation on climate change discussions scheduled for later this year. The recent COP climate conference failed to secure nearly enough funds to aid countries dealing with the effects of rising sea levels, more severe floods, and harsher droughts, which are forcing people to migrate.
NATO member nations have largely agreed to a US demand for increased defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product, which has raised concerns among Brazil’s leaders who are worried about military threats from Russia and terrorism. The sees increase in global conflicts and the number of people killed in these conflicts since the 2000s adds to the concerns.
Brazil’s climate minister, Marina Silva, acknowledged that countries are preoccupied with heightening military tensions. However, she criticized the quick transition to increased defense expenditures, emphasizing that funds should instead be directed to combat climate change, stating that money should be spent on addressing humanitarian needs rather than warfare.
This concern is exacerbated by the UK’s decision to use foreign aid funds to boost defense spending, raising doubts about the country’s ability to honor its £11.6bn climate aid commitment. Both Silva and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have voiced similar sentiments, advocating for funds to be invested in poverty eradication and climate action.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions raise the stakes for climate negotiations. Increased fossil fuel demand and the rapid growth of AI data centers and air conditioning exacerbate the issue, as greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, despite recent indications of a slowing increase.
Minister Silva, however, remains hopeful, affirming that despite the challenging geopolitical landscape, there is substantial support and commitment toward climate change negotiations. She pledged that COP this year will be distinct from previous summits, focusing on the implementation of previous agreements. The Brazilian delegation has also engaged with key figures, including King Charles and Prince William, during London Climate Action Week.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/brazil-calls-out-world-preoccupied-by-defence-as-it-prepares-to-host-global-climate-summit-cop30-13389174
