Greenpeace, WWF push nations at COP30 to commit to ending deforestation by 2030

Belém, Brazil: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenpeace issued a joint call on Wednesday urging countries attending the UN COP30 Climate Summit to commit to a clear, enforceable roadmap to end and reverse global deforestation by 2030.

Speaking at the summit, representatives from both organizations warned that without decisive action, the world risks losing critical biodiversity, accelerating climate change, and undermining Indigenous communities that rely on forest ecosystems.

WWF emphasized that global forest loss continues at an alarming rate, despite years of international pledges.

Making a statement at the summit, Mauricio Voivodic, Executive Director, WWF-Brazil said, “Mundano turns into art a warning that science, Indigenous Peoples and traditional communities have been sounding for decades: without protecting native vegetation, we jeopardise the very continuity of life on Earth.

“The Amazon is on the brink of a tipping point, a moment after which forest loss becomes irreversible — and there is no room left for hesitation. In the coming days, Parties must show real commitment and deliver an ambitious, concrete and urgent roadmap to end deforestation and the conversion of native forests by 2030” he said.

Greenpeace added that many governments have yet to back their commitments with concrete policies or sufficient funding, particularly in forest-rich regions such as the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia.

Carolina Pasquali, Executive Director, Greenpeace Brazil said, “Time is running out at COP30. We cannot leave this COP with symbolic gestures, voluntary commitments or vague promises. We need a concrete, time-bound action plan to end deforestation in all forests by 2030. The Global Stocktake at COP28 recognised this goal, but recognition is not action”

“This artwork stands here today as a warning and an invitation to negotiators, ministers and governments: the future is burning, and the world is watching. Deliver real action now” she added.

Environmental leaders are pressing negotiators to agree on a plan that includes measurable milestones, transparent reporting, and financial support for developing nations to protect and restore forests.

“Forests are one of our most powerful defenses against climate breakdown,” the groups said in a joint statement. “The world cannot meet the goals of the Paris Agreement unless we halt and reverse deforestation within this decade.”

As COP30 negotiations continue in Belém, the call from WWF and Greenpeace adds growing pressure on governments to turn long-standing promises into binding action ahead of the summit’s final declarations.