Belém, Brazil — Several world leaders used the opening day of the COP30 United Nations climate summit on Thursday to criticize President Donald Trump’s approach to climate policy, with some arguing that the U.S. is retreating from global cooperation on climate action.
While Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not mention Trump by name, he condemned what he called “extremist forces that fabricate fake news” about climate science, warning that such positions could leave future generations living on a “permanently altered planet.”
Direct Criticism from Colombia and Chile
Other leaders were more explicit.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, noting the absence of high-level U.S. officials at the summit, said that the United States’ position on climate commitments has global consequences.
“Mr. Trump is against humanity. His absence here demonstrates that,” Petro said, according to a translation of his remarks circulated by Global News.
Petro’s comments follow recent tensions with Washington, after the Trump administration threatened economic tariffs and raised the possibility of military intervention in Colombia last month. The U.S. later imposed sanctions on Colombian officials tied to internal security disputes.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric also criticized the U.S. position, referencing Trump’s remarks at the most recent United Nations General Assembly.
“The president of the United States said the climate crisis does not exist,” Boric said. “That is a lie.”
Concerns from European Leaders
European leaders also expressed concern about the breakdown of international agreement on climate policy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said during his remarks that the global consensus to address climate change has “fractured,” while French President Emmanuel Macron warned that climate misinformation poses a threat to both democratic institutions and international negotiations.
Response from the U.S. Administration
A spokesperson for the White House, Taylor Rogers, defended the president’s position in comments to Politico, arguing that the administration prioritizes economic stability and national energy independence.
“President Trump will not allow the best interest of the American people to be jeopardized by the Green Energy Scam,” Rogers said.
She added:
“These Green Dreams are killing other countries, but will not kill ours thanks to President Trump’s commonsense energy agenda.”
The White House did not respond to additional requests for comment Thursday evening.
Context
The COP30 summit is focused on global emissions reductions, financing for climate adaptation, and accountability for nations contributing disproportionately to warming. The United States remains one of the world’s largest emitters, and its position carries significant influence over the direction of global climate negotiations.
The absence of senior U.S. officials from the opening of the summit drew attention, though aides have said representatives are expected to participate later in the conference schedule.
