In Short : In the lead-up to COP30, Brazilian diplomat Andre Correa do Lago highlighted that tackling climate change need not conflict with economic growth or employment. He stressed that clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and green innovation can create new industries and jobs. According to him, climate action offers countries a pathway to stronger economies while protecting the planet.
In Detail : As the world prepares for COP30, Brazilian diplomat Andre Correa do Lago has underlined that the global response to climate change can drive growth and create employment. He believes that climate action should not be seen as a burden but as an opportunity for nations to transform their economies through sustainable development and innovation.
According to him, clean energy expansion and the transition away from fossil fuels are not just environmental imperatives but also economic drivers. Solar, wind, hydropower, and other renewable sectors are already generating millions of jobs worldwide, showing how climate policies can directly support livelihoods.
He noted that investments in green infrastructure and sustainable urban development have the potential to boost economic activity. Modernizing transport, housing, and energy systems with low-carbon solutions could spur local businesses, reduce costs, and create more inclusive growth models across both developed and developing countries.
The diplomat emphasized that climate-smart agriculture and forest conservation can also be pro-jobs while enhancing food and water security. These sectors, when supported with innovation and financing, can help rural economies flourish while tackling emissions and protecting biodiversity.
Do Lago highlighted that aligning climate action with pro-growth strategies requires collaboration between governments, private sector, and civil society. Policy frameworks need to incentivize green investments and remove barriers that currently slow down the shift toward sustainable industries.
He also pointed to the importance of international finance and technology transfer. Developing nations, including Brazil and India, will need greater access to global funding and expertise to realize the full potential of a green transition.
The diplomat argued that inclusive policies must be at the core of climate strategies. Ensuring that workers in carbon-intensive industries are retrained and absorbed into clean energy sectors is critical for a just transition that leaves no community behind.
He stressed that COP30 offers a platform for countries to showcase how pro-growth, pro-jobs policies can be embedded into climate action. This includes commitments not only on emissions reduction but also on sustainable industrialization and equitable development.
In conclusion, Andre Correa do Lago urged that the fight against climate change should be seen as an opportunity for shared prosperity. With the right policies, nations can simultaneously drive economic growth, create jobs, and safeguard the environment, turning climate action into a cornerstone of future development.
