Thousands of people in Brazil took to the streets to demand action on climate change during the COP30 talks, which are being held in the Amazonian city of Belem. The protest, dubbed the "Great People's March," was marked by lively music and chants as demonstrators marched through the city, drawing attention from authorities.
The event came at a pivotal moment in the negotiations, with countries still locked in disputes over trade measures and climate targets. Despite efforts to break the impasse, the talks had made little progress, according to COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago. "We have not yet seen any breakthroughs," he acknowledged, urging diplomats to focus on finding solutions rather than engaging in procedural delays.
The protest was notable for its strong Indigenous representation, with activists and community leaders from western Brazil using their voices to draw attention to the devastating impact of climate change on the region's forests and communities. "Today we are witnessing a massacre as our forest is being destroyed," declared Benedito Huni Kuin, a member of the Huni Kuin Indigenous group. His comments echoed demands made by activists for greater representation from Indigenous peoples at COP30.
The rally's key message was clear: corporations and governments must take responsibility for the damage they have caused to marginalized communities, and provide reparations to make things right. The protesters carried mock coffins marked with fossil fuel logos, emphasizing their commitment to eradicating these polluters once and for all.
As tensions between nations remained high, the "Great People's March" offered a bold counterpoint to the negotiations' slow pace. For some, it was a testament to the power of collective action in bringing about change – but others were concerned that such protests could be co-opted by vested interests looking to undermine genuine progress.
The Belem protest marked the first major demonstration outside COP30 since 2019, and highlighted the growing unease among activists and Indigenous leaders about the talks' failure to deliver meaningful results.
The event came at a pivotal moment in the negotiations, with countries still locked in disputes over trade measures and climate targets. Despite efforts to break the impasse, the talks had made little progress, according to COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago. "We have not yet seen any breakthroughs," he acknowledged, urging diplomats to focus on finding solutions rather than engaging in procedural delays.
The protest was notable for its strong Indigenous representation, with activists and community leaders from western Brazil using their voices to draw attention to the devastating impact of climate change on the region's forests and communities. "Today we are witnessing a massacre as our forest is being destroyed," declared Benedito Huni Kuin, a member of the Huni Kuin Indigenous group. His comments echoed demands made by activists for greater representation from Indigenous peoples at COP30.
The rally's key message was clear: corporations and governments must take responsibility for the damage they have caused to marginalized communities, and provide reparations to make things right. The protesters carried mock coffins marked with fossil fuel logos, emphasizing their commitment to eradicating these polluters once and for all.
As tensions between nations remained high, the "Great People's March" offered a bold counterpoint to the negotiations' slow pace. For some, it was a testament to the power of collective action in bringing about change – but others were concerned that such protests could be co-opted by vested interests looking to undermine genuine progress.
The Belem protest marked the first major demonstration outside COP30 since 2019, and highlighted the growing unease among activists and Indigenous leaders about the talks' failure to deliver meaningful results.
I'm loving the vibe of this "Great People's March" in Belem! It's like something straight outta Selena Gomez's "Good for You" video - all that energy, passion, and unity 
. The fact that it drew so much attention from authorities and highlighted the Indigenous representation is a huge win. I mean, who wouldn't want to see some of those mock coffins with fossil fuel logos showing up? It's like a visual reminder that corporations gotta step up their game (or get left behind) 
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️ time 4 some real change ASAP
and those protests were necessary, I get it, but can't we find a way to work together instead of pitting nations against each other? 
but at the same time, can't we find ways to make those voices even louder? 
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! It's so important to amplify the voices of these communities, especially when it comes to environmental issues. I mean, we can't just talk about saving the planet without acknowledging the impact that human actions have on indigenous peoples and their lands 
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. It's like, wake up, corporations! We know you're the ones causing this mess, so own up to it and start making amends 
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. The "Great People's March" was an amazing way to show the world that we care about this issue and are willing to take action 
, time for corporate giants & govts to step up & make a change 
, not just empty promises 
. The ppl r right, we can't just 'talk' our way out of this problem - we gotta take action 
!
I'm hoping these protests will be a catalyst for some actual progress, but at the same time, I'm worried that vested interests are gonna try to water down any real change... fingers crossed! 
! It's amazing to see so many people, especially from indigenous communities, coming together to demand action on climate change 
. Benedito Huni Kuin's words about the "massacre" of his forest community are heartbreaking 
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. I mean, we all know corporations and governments have to take responsibility for their actions and make things right 
. It's a bold statement that needs to be amplified. As someone who's following these developments, I'm feeling the urgency 
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. They've been speaking out about this for years and its finally getting some attention 
. Benedito Huni Kuin is like the ultimate climate warrior 
. His message is so clear: corporations and governments gotta step up their game 
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. Let's keep the momentum going and make some real change happen 
I think it's awesome that people in Brazil are taking a stand for climate justice! The "Great People's March" was like a wake-up call for everyone involved in COP30, especially governments and corporations. We gotta hold them accountable for the damage they've caused to our planet 
We need more people like them leading the charge against climate change. And yeah, some might say it's a distraction, but I think it's a necessary one 
. The fact that the protest was so lively and had a strong Indigenous representation is a great sign for real change 
. It's like, we need more people from all walks of life coming together to demand action from corporations and governments.
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But what I love most is how the Indigenous people were so vocal about it - they deserve so much more than just a token seat at the table! 
I mean, who needs a 'Great People's March' when you've got social media, right? 
Just kidding, sorta... but seriously, it's kinda awesome that these people are taking matters into their own hands. Those Indigenous leaders are speaking truth to power and demanding some serious justice. 
genius. Who wouldn't want a little more transparency in corporate accountability? 
" They're out there protesting again for climate change 
. I wish they'd take responsibility for what they've done 
Can't believe what's happening at these climate talks... thousands of people taking a stand and it feels like we're still not getting anywhere 
Don't get me wrong, I love the enthusiasm of these protests, but we need some concrete action, not just a bunch of chanting and waving signs 
. Where are the facts? Where are the figures? We need to know how much those corporations are really going to have to pay in reparations... or is that just a PR stunt? 
protesters got arrested & some folks got hurt during the march... like, they're trying to make their voices heard but it's not all peaceful vibes 
Those mock coffins were a sick idea 
. It’s like, corporations and governments need to step up their game and take responsibility for the damage they've caused 
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