Chancellor Merz in Brazil: Germany's climate contribution for the rainforest!

Chancellor Merz in Brazil: Germany's climate contribution for the rainforest!

At the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) shows his colors and gives his first major environmental speech as head of government. Merz visits the city, which with its 1.3 million inhabitants has a tropical climate with temperatures of around 29 degrees and a humidity of 70 percent, for just 21 hours. He will stay overnight in the 4-star “Radisson Maiorana” hotel, where room prices during the summit are up to 1200 euros per night.

In his speech, Merz emphasized the urgency of a global effort in climate protection and the need to promote innovation and openness to technology. “The economy is the key to better climate protection,” says the Chancellor, emphasizing that a balance must be found between climate protection and competitiveness. While Merz is sending a strong signal on the international stage, Brazil is under pressure to receive concrete financial contributions for the protection of the rainforest.

Financing discussions and promises

President Luiz da Silva expects Germany to provide a concrete sum for a new type of climate fund that rewards the protection of the rainforest and encourages countries to refrain from deforestation. Merz promises a “significant amount”, but does not name a specific number. In the run-up to the talks, there are internal discussions in Germany about the amount of financial resources and how exactly they will be secured. While Brazil plans to contribute a billion dollars to the fund, Germany has already invested around six billion euros in various climate measures in 2024.

Merz will have a meeting with President da Silva in the afternoon, although it is likely that the two heads of state will talk more specifically about funds to save the rainforest. The pressure on Merz is high because it is important to show a clear stance on climate protection both internationally and at home.

The voice for powerful environmental initiatives is growing in the Amazon, but how effective can the political promises actually be? These questions will remain in the room on November 8, 2025. How the discussions will develop and what concrete measures will ultimately be taken remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: politics cannot save the climate alone - a joint effort is required.

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