Anne Højer Simonsen is a Senior Vice President and Head of Climate Policy at Danish Industry.
In less than a week, leaders, negotiators, and climate advocates from around the world will gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP30. This conference marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, a moment to reflect on progress—but also a moment to confront the stark reality: global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, temperatures keep climbing, and the urgency for action has never been greater.
For the EU and Denmark, as the EU Presidency, this is a pivotal moment. As the EU assumes a central role in shaping the COP30 agenda, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to demonstrate that ambitious climate action is not only necessary but achievable. The global green transition is a shared global challenge, and Europe must lead by example, inspiring other nations to raise their ambition while protecting our collective prosperity.
Stronger NDCs can drive stronger growth
COP30 is not about setting new aspirations alone; it is about delivering on commitments, scaling solutions, and mobilising the resources necessary for transformative action. Denmark is pushing for a strong EU mandate that reflects this urgency: ambitious updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), accelerated climate mitigation, robust climate finance, fair and just transitions, climate adaptation, and biodiversity-conscious green solutions. These priorities are not abstract ideals—they are the framework for safeguarding both the planet and the European economy.
Ambitious NDCs are more than environmental measures—they are investment signals, providing certainty for businesses developing the technologies the world needs. OECD analysis suggests improved NDCs could increase global GDP by up to 3% in 2050 and up to 13% in 2100 by preventing climate-related damages and spurring innovation. Businesses do not just implement policies—they turn climate ambition into tangible solutions that generate economic growth without overusing resources. Europe must lead the way while urging all nations to contribute their fair share.
COP30 will provide a crucial opportunity to turn the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake (GST) into concrete action. The GST made it clear that current global efforts remain insufficient to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. However, it also highlighted clear pathways for stronger cooperation, accelerated implementation, and more effective climate finance. Building on the GST’s findings, COP30 must drive ambitious commitments and practical measures that reflect both the urgency and the opportunity of this decisive decade for climate action.
Mitigation remains urgent. COP28 reaffirmed the need to transition from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy, and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030, but implementation must accelerate. Equally critical is climate finance. Mobilising private capital to support developing countries is central to a fair and effective global transition. Barriers remain—lack of investor confidence, regulatory complexity, and insufficient risk management—but innovative frameworks like the Investment Mobilisation Collaboration Alliance (IMCA) show what is possible.
By pooling public funding, de-risking investments, and aligning stakeholders from governments to asset managers, IMCA has already mobilised hundreds of millions of USD for underfunded climate projects. At COP30, new initiatives, including an Adaptation Finance Window for Africa, will demonstrate how collaborative finance can simultaneously drive impact and economic stability.
Time to Deliver
The green transition must also be fair and inclusive. Climate action creates jobs, strengthens communities, and improves livelihoods. Social safeguards, local ownership, and gender equity are essential to ensure that the benefits of the transition are shared equitably. Climate adaptation, too, cannot be an afterthought—investing in resilience now prevents far greater costs from climate-driven damage later. And biodiversity cannot be sidelined: solutions that harmonise production with nature will determine whether our economic growth is sustainable in the decades to come.
COP30 is a test of global resolve. Europe has always led by example, setting standards and demonstrating that environmental ambition and economic competitiveness can go hand in hand. But leadership is more than promises; it is about delivery, implementation, and collaboration.
The global stage in Belém offers Europe the chance to show that green transition and prosperity are mutually reinforcing. COP30 is not just another conference—it is an opportunity to accelerate the global green transition, secure economic resilience, and leave a legacy for future generations.
The world will be watching. Europe must act decisively, with ambition, pragmatism, and vision. The time for delivering on the promise of a greener and fairer world is now.
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