UN Confronts Accommodation Chaos Ahead of Brazil’s Amazon Climate Summit

The United Nations has held urgent discussions over mounting concerns about the affordability of accommodation for delegates attending COP30 in Belém, Brazil. With thousands of participants expected for the November climate summit, the limited availability of lodging and spiralling costs have triggered fears that many representatives, especially from developing nations, may struggle to attend.

A City Overwhelmed by Demand

Belém, a relatively small Amazonian city, typically offers around 18,000 hotel beds. However, COP30 is expected to draw about 45,000 participants, creating a severe shortfall in lodging options. As a result, hotel rates have surged, with some quotes reportedly reaching as high as $700 per night. For delegates from wealthier nations, prices are expected to average between $300 and $600 per night. Even the capped rates for participants from developing countries, set at $220 per night, exceed the UN’s daily subsistence allowance of $149.

These soaring costs have left many governments and organisations in a difficult position. Some delegations, including those from Australia, the Netherlands, and Poland, are considering reducing the size of their teams. Non-governmental groups, Indigenous representatives, and members of the media have also expressed concern that they may be priced out of the summit altogether.

Equity and Representation at Risk

The issue has sparked strong reactions from developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts. The African Group of Negotiators, led by Richard Muyungi, has warned that without affordable accommodation, many delegates will not be able to participate fully in the talks. Muyungi emphasised that African nations are unwilling to cut their representation at a conference where decisions will directly impact their futures.

Civil society groups have echoed these concerns, warning that high accommodation costs could limit the diversity of voices at the conference. This raises questions about whether the summit, intended to drive inclusive climate action, can remain accessible to those who are often most affected by climate change but least able to bear these expenses.

Brazil’s Efforts to Contain the Crisis

In response, Brazil has introduced a range of measures to address the crisis. Two cruise ships have been chartered to provide around 6,000 additional beds, and a special booking platform has been launched to offer 1,500 rooms at capped rates, primarily for delegates from developing countries. The government is also exploring the use of schools, military facilities, campsites, and even love motels to increase accommodation capacity further.

Brazilian officials have promised to provide updates on these plans by August 11. However, concerns remain that even with these measures, accommodation will remain unaffordable for many participants. Business representatives have already begun withdrawing from the summit or shifting their events to larger cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, warning that high costs and logistical challenges could diminish private sector involvement in the talks.

References:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/30/un-emergency-talks-sky-high-accommodation-costs-cop30-brazil

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/un-holds-emergency-talks-over-sky-high-costs-cop30-climate-summit-2025-07-29/https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/un-holds-emergency-talks-over-sky-high-costs-cop30-climate-summit-2025-07-29/

https://cop30.br/en/news-about-cop30/brasil-ensures-accommodation-for-all-countries-at-cop30

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