April 16, 2025

Activists from Asia join Indigenous Peoples to demand climate justice in Brazilian capital ahead of COP30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 16, 2025

Activists from Asia join Indigenous Peoples to demand climate justice in Brazilian capital ahead of COP30

Activists demand action to a letter delivered at biggest Indigenous mobilization in Brazil calling for an end to fossil fuels, a just energy transition, and Indigenous leadership at COP30

**Interviews available on request**

 

Brasília – Dozens of people from around the world, including climate activists and community leaders from Asia, brought solar panels and a giant banner created by renowned Brazilian artist Mundano to the doors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) in Brasília yesterday. Ashes from the wildfires in the Amazon were used to create the 30ft artwork banner with the words “Brazil, lead the just energy transition at COP30.”

The action called for a direct response to a letter delivered to the COP30 presidency during the Free Land Camp (Acampamento Terra Livre, in Portuguese), signed by over 180 organizations from around the world and thousands of individuals from 98 countries in an online petition. The letter demands that ending fossil fuels, ensuring a just energy transition, and centering Indigenous and traditional leadership be core priorities at COP30.

Participants in the action are attending the event “Renew Our Power” this week, organized by 350.org, an international climate activism and community organizing group advocating for a just energy transition. The gathering brings together over 200 climate leaders from more than 70 countries in Brazil, aiming to boost community renewable energy projects — a strategic milestone on the road to COP30.

Norly Mercado, 350.org Asia Regional Director:

“A recent report shows that renewable energy is growing at an unprecedented rate, with China registering more than half of the global increase in both solar and wind power. But in order for renewables to replace fossil fuels, we need greater climate ambition and commitment from world leaders. COP30 must ensure both a rapid phase out of fossil fuels and a just transition to renewable energy. Brazil holding the COP30 leadership is in the best position to fight for the necessity of urgent climate action amid rollbacks in U.S. climate commitments. Renewable energy advocates in Asia are here in Brazil to show that we are not giving up on our future. The path to people-led renewable energy is clear: we just have to take it.”

 Omkar Subedi, Digo Bikas Institute Nepal:

“From the mountains of Nepal to the Amazon rainforest, Indigenous People have preserved our natural resources for centuries. Now it’s time to give the power back to the people. As a matter of justice for countries like Nepal who are at the greatest risk of climate-induced disasters while contributing least to the climate crisis, we ask the COP30 presidency to ensure communities’ direct access to climate funds. We urge world leaders to step away from false solutions like carbon trading, which delay real climate action.”

Ginanjar Ariyasuta, Climate Rangers Indonesia:

“Youth and future generations in Indonesia face an existential threat: a climate crisis they did not create, caused by policies that prioritize short-term gains over long-term survival. Climate policies must protect the rights of those who will inherit the planet, and youth should be the architects of the solutions. COP30 must produce ambitious commitments that can protect future generations. We should recognize the communities’ rights to build, manage, and distribute their own energy.”

Naomi Dogen, 350.org Japan:

“Those most impacted by the climate crisis are the least responsible for it. Countries like Japan, with high historical emissions, must phase out fossil fuels and support community-led renewable energy. Climate policy should prioritize people and communities—not corporations. COP30 must commit to this shift. In Japan, local renewable energy efforts are growing, but support for a just transition is still lacking. At COP30, I hope to see fair funding and inclusive policies that empower communities and recognize grassroots leadership.”

Mundano, Brazilian artivist:

“Artivism is an essential tool for tackling the climate emergency, because numbers and data no longer seem to impact people. Neither do collapsing landscapes or even extreme weather events such as heatwaves, severe droughts or unprecedented floods seem to be awakening the collective conscience. Artivism comes in as another language – sometimes more playful, sometimes more direct – capable of reaching people in other ways, generating reflection on the seriousness of the climate crisis and the urgency of action.”

Notes to Editors:

This week, 350.org and partners are bringing together over 200 Indigenous leaders, activists, and community renewable energy advocates from over 70 countries. Thousands more global changemakers are joining the event online.

The meeting called ‘Renew Our Power’ is held in Brazil – where heads of state will convene in November for the UN climate negotiations, COP30.

The 5-day gathering is designed to train community leaders to campaign and implement renewable energy solutions. You can read more about the event and the participants in our media pack here

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