The world's biggest meat company, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is leading food-company efforts in global climate talks.

The conference is being led by COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil’s vice minister for climate, energy and environment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among those scheduled to attend are government leaders and ministers, diplomats, U.N. representatives, scientists, business leaders and non-governmental organizations across the globe.

In a compromise solution, the COP30 presidency will hold consultations on four contentious issues - climate finance, trade measures, 1.5C ambition and transparency of national data

The president of Brazil, hosting this year's global climate summit in Belém, called on leaders to ignore those who prefer a head-in-the-sand approach to climate change.

While COP30 takes place in Brazil, more than 80 pupils have been holding their own climate talks closer to home. The COP30 climate simulation negotiation brought pupils from 28 schools to Belfast Castle, where they represented countries, campaigners, lobbyists and journalists.

As this year’s COP30 begins, global leaders are set to debate climate finance, rainforest protection, and progress on Paris Agreement pledges.

The multi-billion dollar fund is far short of its initial fundraising target, but should still be operational within the next 12 months, its top official told Semafor.