Belem, Brazil — As world leaders and climate negotiators prepare to gather in the Amazonian city of Belem this November for COP30, an unexpected obstacle is overshadowing the climate agenda: soaring hotel prices. Many delegations are warning that accommodation costs have become so high that some countries may be forced to scale back participation or skip the conference entirely.
The irony is difficult to ignore. A summit meant to promote climate justice and global inclusion is facing the possibility that the world’s most vulnerable nations may be unable to afford a seat at the table.
A Price Barrier to Participation
The COP conferences have always demanded considerable travel budgets, but rarely have lodging costs posed such a significant barrier. Belem, with a population of just over two million, was never designed to host tens of thousands of visitors. With only a limited number of hotels and guesthouses available, prices have surged to levels that far exceed expectations.
Some delegations have reported nightly rates climbing from around $150 to several thousand dollars, depending on proximity to the venue and amenities. For developing nations, which often rely on small teams of negotiators and technical experts, such prices are simply untenable.
Several governments have already expressed concern that they may not be able to send full delegations, while others are considering virtual participation. Leaders from small island and low-income states, who often depend on in-person diplomacy to influence negotiations, have warned that limited attendance could severely weaken their ability to advocate for their survival.
Costs, Equity, and the SDG Agenda
The hotel crisis has reignited a long-standing debate about equity and representation within global climate governance. The Sustainable Development Goals call for inclusive participation, yet the reality is that the cost of attending major international conferences remains prohibitive for many.
For developing countries, each COP represents an essential opportunity to influence the design of climate finance mechanisms, adaptation frameworks, and loss and damage policies. Missing the meeting in Belem could mean losing ground in negotiations that directly impact national resilience and economic stability.
The United Nations and the Brazilian government have taken steps to ease the burden. Subsidized hotel rates and additional support for low-income countries are being introduced, but the measures may not be enough to meet the overwhelming demand. Dozens of nations remain without confirmed accommodations, even as the conference approaches.
The Stakes of Absence
The presence of all nations, regardless of size or wealth, is vital to the legitimacy of the climate process. COP summits are where the details of global climate action are debated and decided. Large delegations have the capacity to follow multiple negotiation tracks, while smaller ones struggle to cover even the most critical sessions.
If poorer countries are forced to scale back or withdraw due to hotel costs, it would not only reduce their influence but also distort the balance of decision-making. Those who contribute least to global emissions would once again be marginalized in discussions about how to respond to them.
For a summit dedicated to fairness, ambition, and collective responsibility, the optics are troubling. The success of COP30 will depend not just on what commitments are made in Belem, but on who is able to be in the room when they are made.
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