Hundreds of foreign delegates witnessed a momentous rally, the largest assembly of climate activists and Brazilian indigenous communities uniting in a powerful call to end fossil fuel exploitation, including petrol, diesel, and natural gas, to combat climate change on November 15, during UN Climate Change Conference in Belém

This marks a first in international climate negotiations, with a strong consensus emerging against the fossil fuel lobby as discussions will commence on November 17. 

Historically, these energy giants have deflected accountability for climate change and its health repercussions, often blaming deforestation, urban development, and the growth of developing nations.

The rally’s momentum was heightened when Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, and Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sônia Guajajara, joined the demonstrators, addressing the crowd before the march. They affirmed Brazil's dedication to halving fossil fuel use, highlighting a reduction in Amazon deforestation by 50%, and compelled other nations to address these pressing issues.

Thousands of people rallied passionately at COP30, vocally demanding an end to fossil fuels, cessation of oil exploration in the Amazon, and stronger protections for Indigenous lands globally.

In response, authorities bolstered security, deploying a significant police presence and UN Security forces throughout the city. Access to the COP30 venue at the Hangar auditorium faced heightened security measures, causing entrance delays due to barricades until 11 AM local time.

Besides, ground-level commands and army units were mobilized, with early aerial surveillance over the city and key COP30 sites. Extra security personnel were prominent in commercial areas and along pathways leading to the venue, as hundreds of foreign delegates continued to arrive for the conference.

The march, orchestrated by the People’s Summit, commenced at the historic São Brás Market and advanced toward Cabana Village, drawing together a diverse range of social movements from Brazil and around the world. Among the demonstrators were representatives from Southeast Asia, including India and Bangladesh.

Participants included Indigenous groups from various regions, quilombola communities, environmental advocates, youth leaders, and members of the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST). Their unified demands focused on upholding Indigenous rights, safeguarding forests, halting detrimental mining practices, and ensuring that local voices play a vital role in shaping climate policy.

They emphasized the critical need for a global strategy to phase out fossil fuels, while reaffirming Brazil's commitment to achieving zero deforestation. There were calls for civil society organizations to protect these areas from the threats posed by mining and extractive industries. The discussions among Afro-descendant communities, family farmers, traditional groups, and Indigenous peoples at COP30 have the potential to influence the final recommendations of the conference and shape future climate summit topics.

The demonstrations that took place on November 15 also resonated globally. George Auankaroe, from the Association of Indigenous Leaders of Suriname, highlighted that COP30 offers a rare chance for frontline communities to engage directly with world leaders. Argentinian activist Anabella Rosemberg, representing the Climate Action Network, voiced criticism towards her country’s delegation, describing it as a hindrance to progress in negotiations and a “barrier to climate justice.”

Sohanur Rahman, a youth climate advocate from Bangladesh and Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, joined the protest, stressing the common challenges faced by vulnerable communities across the Global South.

He declared, “Indigenous peoples are safeguarding the world’s remaining ecosystems, yet their rights are often overlooked and their lands are under threat. If COP30 truly seeks to be the ‘COP of truth,’ then acknowledging Indigenous land rights and halting fossil fuel expansion must be imperative. Youth from the Global South stand in solidarity with Amazon defenders because our futures are intertwined."

As COP30 unfolds in Belém, Saturday's large-scale protest has amplified pressure on negotiators to address the pressing needs of communities most affected by the climate crisis. The march reinforced urgent calls for action: protecting Indigenous lands and stopping the expansion of fossil fuels.