Addressing the corrupt influence of big polluters in climate negotiations

Transparency International (TI) sent an open letter to the UN Climate Change Body (UNFCCC) and the Brazilian COP30 Presidency, calling together with a broad coalition of global and national actors for urgent reforms to confront the corrupt influence of fossil fuel and other high polluting industries on global climate negotiations. To discuss the letter and what it means for the future of climate action, we spoke with Áron Suba, Advocacy and Campaigns Lead on climate at TI.

Áron, can you tell us about the key message of the open letter addressed to world leaders and the UNFCCC? What prompted this call for action?

The pervasive influence of fossil fuel and high-polluting industry lobbyists on climate negotiations has led to delays in the transition away from fossil fuels and undermined action for tackling the climate crisis. In 2024, we saw the planet surpass the 1.5°C threshold for the first time, signalling the need for immediate and bold action. But despite the increasing urgency, industries with major contributors to climate change, such as fossil fuels and agriculture, have been blocking progress, protecting their vested interests. The letter is a call to action to the Brazilian COP30 presidency, the UNFCCC, and global leaders to confront this issue. It's about demanding transparency, accountability, and integrity within the COP process — fundamental principles for addressing the climate crisis.

Can you tell us more about the signatories of the open letter?

The diversity of signatories to the letter shows there is a broad-based coalition that wants integrity reforms to stop the corrupt influence of high polluting industries in global climate talks. Among the more than 250 signatories are globally prominent climate and environmental groups, human rights organisations, anti-corruption organisations, children's rights groups - as well as membership networks spanning across almost every country. There are local grassroots initiatives from Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, from all walks of life. There is a Federation of more than 700 trade unions representing public service workers globally. There are national health and medical associations. Crucially, the letter also has a commanding signatory base from Brazil, addressing the Brazilian COP30 Presidency. This thematic and geographic breadth has one message: it is time to act.

Transparency and accountability are key elements of the letter. Can you elaborate on why these principles are so crucial to the climate negotiations, especially with regard to COP30?

What we’re calling for in the letter is a structural change — one that ensures that climate negotiations are conducted in an open and accountable way — where those influencing decisions are publicly known, and where decision-making is not unduly influenced by the fossil fuel industry or other high polluters. Transparency means that we know who is in the room, who they represent, and what interests they are advocating for. Accountability ensures that their presence in global climate talks is controlled through policies.

The letter proposes several concrete measures to address conflicts of interest and improve transparency. Can you discuss some of these proposals and why they are critical for the COP30 presidency and the UNFCCC?

Absolutely. One of the key proposals is to adopt a conflict-of-interest policy at the UNFCCC that excludes or at least greatly limits fossil fuel and high-polluting industries from shaping negotiations. To put it simply, the influence of fossil fuel industries at climate talks is a conflict of interest for the future of our planet. By having clear policies on their participation in official state delegations, observers and COP Presidencies, we prioritise people and the planet, not the profits of the fossil fuel sector.

There are examples already existing in the UN system such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which excludes participation from the tobacco industry. It makes sense, right? The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation sets boundaries in convenings for industries that may prioritise profit over public health. The UN International Labour Organisation often excludes multinational corporation in countries with poor labour standards from discussions on labour laws if they have a direct financial interest there. The UNFCCC just needs to catch up.

We are also calling for reforms around host country agreements (HCAs) and partnerships. Many times, COP presidencies had partnerships with high-polluting industries, a serious conflict of interest. The letter asks for these partnerships to end.

Lastly, the letter calls for a reformed COP presidency selection process. We need future COP hosts to demonstrate real progress on their national climate action plans and a commitment to human rights, including the protection of environmental defenders. The COP30 Presidency, led by André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, can also adopt measures that prevent high polluting industry influence in their team, such as declaring the affiliations of all of its members, adopting a policy to exclude representatives from high polluting industries, publishing the details of its meetings, and declaring a policy to exclude partnerships with high polluters.

In the letter, the Brazilian COP30 presidency is asked to organise a “Global Ethical Stocktake.” What is it, and why is it so important?

The global ethical stocktake is a proposal to create a space for assessing the ethical implications of climate negotiations, including examining the undue influence of polluting industries and identifying conflicts of interest. The idea is that this stocktake should be held by June 2025, before COP30, and it should focus on key areas like transparency, accountability, and the selection process for future COP presidencies. It’s also a chance for the Brazilian COP residency to demonstrate real leadership and set higher standards for transparency and accountability at COP30.

Looking ahead, what role do you see the UNFCCC playing in ensuring these reforms are adopted, and how can global civil society help make this happen?

The UNFCCC has a critical role to play in adopting these reforms. As the body that oversees the COP process, it has the authority and responsibility to implement policies that ensure climate negotiations are transparent, accountable, and free from undue influence. For global civil society, this is an opportunity to push for change at every level. By coming together and holding both the Brazilian presidency and the UNFCCC accountable, we can ensure that COP30 becomes a turning point for climate diplomacy—one that prioritises the needs of vulnerable communities and the planet over high polluting industry corporate interests.

Áron, what message would you like to leave our readers with, specifically about the importance of this moment for global climate action?

Reforms proposed in the open letter are not just about improving the COP process—they’re about ensuring that climate action is driven by the needs of people, especially those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

COP30 presents a unique opportunity to reset global climate diplomacy and build a future where transparency, accountability, and integrity are at the heart of decision-making for climate action. It's a test of our collective will to confront the climate crisis with honesty and ambition.