Pricing Out Change: Accommodation Woes at COP30

Amid escalating accommodation costs, the United Nations' climate bureau convened an urgent meeting to address the concerns of nations participating in the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The focus was on ensuring affordable lodging for poorer countries amidst Belem's soaring accommodation prices.

This year's climate summit in the rainforest city of Belem is essential for global negotiations on climate change; however, logistical hurdles pose a significant challenge. Brazil's commitment to resolving these issues was underscored during an emergency meeting of the U.N. climate body's COP bureau. There, discussions centered on increasing accommodation capacity to over 45,000 attendees by exploring innovative solutions like converting cruise ships into temporary hotels.

The Brazilian government has pledged more accessible accommodations for developing nations, but the prices remain steep, threatening reduced participation from both poor and wealthy delegates. Despite securing additional rooms and opening bookings at lower rates, costs significantly exceed the U.N.'s daily allowance, which adds pressure on numerous delegations considering reducing or even halting their attendance.

(With inputs from agencies.)