Iran Warns COP30: Climate Action Unachievable Without Essential Funding

At the recent 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, Sediqeh Torabi from the Department of Environment (DOE) highlighted the critical need for reliable financing to implement climate actions in developing countries. As climate change increasingly impacts regions like Iran, which is one of the world’s driest areas, she emphasized that urgent measures must be taken to address the challenges posed by extreme weather, including droughts and heatwaves.

During her address on November 18, Torabi pointed out that Iran faces severe consequences from climate change, including:

• Frequent droughts
• Water scarcity
• Extreme heat
• Forest fires
• Sand and dust storms

Torabi stressed that without adequate financing and technology transfer, Iran cannot commit to increased emissions reductions or new targets. She emphasized that ambition in climate action must be matched by the necessary resources to implement these plans. “Adaptation is a vital priority for Iran and other developing countries,” she stated, underlining the importance of:

• Strengthening early warning systems
• Protecting water resources
• Supporting vulnerable communities

Moreover, she asserted that the indicators for global adaptation targets should not impose additional reporting burdens on developing nations. Referencing the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respected Capabilities (CBDR-RC), Torabi identified unilateral coercive measures as significant barriers to advancing the climate action agenda. She warned that such measures restrict developing countries’ access to essential financial resources, low-carbon technologies, and international collaboration.

Torabi declared Iran’s readiness for constructive cooperation, aiming for a balanced and fair outcome that promotes adaptation, emission reduction, technology transfer, and capacity building, while avoiding politicized negotiations. The ongoing COP30 conference has gathered leaders, scientists, and NGOs to discuss essential actions to combat climate change, focusing on:

• Limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5°C
• Presenting new national action plans (NDCs)
• Reviewing progress on finance pledges made at COP29

In a related development, Shina Ansari, the head of the DOE, engaged in discussions with various international officials during COP30. In her meeting with Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Ansari detailed Iran’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance renewable energy capacity over the past year, despite facing unfair sanctions. These sanctions have hindered Iran’s access to vital international funds and modern technologies.

Among the actions highlighted by Ansari were:

• Reducing flaring in oil fields
• Implementing a climate change management plan

Stiell commended Iran’s initiatives and assured that the UNFCCC would support the country’s climate efforts. In another meeting with Anacláudia Rossbach, executive director of the UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), Ansari stressed the importance of comprehensive urban planning to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance the resilience of cities amidst rising temperatures.

“Despite the economic and climate challenges, Iran is striving to leverage regional and global scientific resources to create more sustainable urban environments,” she noted. Rossbach also acknowledged the pivotal role of the UN-Habitat office in Iran and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to improve urban management, climate risk management, and the overall quality of urban living.

Additionally, in discussions with Marija Vuckovic, Croatia’s Minister for Environmental Protection and Green Transition, both officials recognized the necessity of enhancing environmental cooperation. Ansari expressed Iran’s willingness to share expertise in:

• Managing protected areas
• Water and wetland resources
• Industrial pollution control

This collaborative approach is expected to strengthen scientific interactions and bolster national capabilities in environmental preservation. Vuckovic invited Ansari for an official visit to Croatia to further develop this partnership.

Ansari also held discussions on environmental matters with Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of Iran to tackle climate issues collectively with global partners.

Through these engagements, Iran aims to not only address its own climate challenges but also contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable practices and environmental protection.