World leaders urged to show unity in climate fight and Amazon protection

Addis Ababa, March 26, 2025 (FMC) – Greenpeace has urged leaders at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue to display global unity and ramp up their efforts to tackle the escalating climate and biodiversity crisis on the road to this year’s UN summit COP30.

As the Petersberg Climate Dialogue headed into its second day on Wednesday, Greenpeace Germany activists unveiled a banner in front of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, saying: ‘Leaders unite! Save the planet!’.

The banner was unveiled from the top of the ladder of a fire fighting vehicle in front of the building calling on leaders to urgently tackle the escalating climate emergency.

Martin Kaiser, Executive Director, Greenpeace Germany, said:  “In tough times like these, amid geopolitical division and the defaming of environmental defenders, we must bring the world together under the common goal to protect life on Earth.”

“In Petersberg, leaders need to unite and draft an ambitious plan to accelerate climate action across all emission sectors, while rich countries must show responsibility and solidarity by ensuring fair financial support for impacted countries and people.”

“COP30 must turn the focus from negotiation to implementation. Bound by the demands of people, leaders need to focus on synergies in nature and climate action that sustains natural livelihood and resilience in the face of worsening climate impacts.”

In 2025, the 10th year since the Paris Agreement was reached, the Petersberg Climate Dialogue (PCD) is being co-hosted by Germany and Brazil this year. It brings together selected states on an annual basis and is an early chance for the Brazilian COP30 Presidency to put forward their vision for their Presidency and to start setting out concrete goals and next steps.

The PCD also comes after the World Meteorological Organization said global temperatures hit 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels in 2024 and as concerns escalate that the Amazon, critical for a livable Earth, is approaching a tipping point due to destructive industrial-scale agriculture and illegal gold mining.[1]

Carolina Pasquali, Executive Director, Greenpeace Brazil, said: “People around the world are suffering due to the worsening of the climate crisis. From higher food prices caused by extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, to the destruction of homes and the need for displacement, global leaders must listen to the millions affected worldwide and take responsibility.”

“COP30 needs to deliver a clear roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels and ending deforestation globally. Indigenous Peoples, quilombolas and local communities must have their rights protected and directly access resources to take care of their lands.”

“Money for the transition is needed, of course, and it’s time for the polluters responsible for this crisis to be held accountable. Halfway through the most important decade of our generation, we must act more decisively – and quickly. Global leaders cannot afford to be distracted by those trying to disrupt the only chance we have.”