Lula calls on rich countries to pay for historical pollution debt

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized on Thursday that wealthy nations have a responsibility to pay the “historical debt” for polluting the planet.

Speaking at the “Power our planet” event organized by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Lula praised Brazil’s highly renewable energy matrix and invited the international audience to explore the Amazon during the COP30 conference in Belem (PA) in 2025.

Lula stated that it was not African or Latin American people who polluted the world, but rather the countries that initiated the industrial revolution in the last two centuries.

He stressed that these nations must now fulfill their obligation to repay the historical debt they owe to planet Earth.

Reiterating his commitment to achieving zero deforestation in the Amazon by 2030, Lula emphasized that the forest is not solely Brazil’s concern but a collective responsibility to preserve.

Lula urged the international community to join forces with the Brazilian people in forest conservation efforts and hold rich countries accountable for financing developing nations with forest reserves.

He extended an invitation to the audience, encouraging them to visit Belem in two years’ time.

During his address, Lula reiterated his determination to take strict action against anyone involved in deforestation for agricultural purposes such as soybean and corn cultivation or cattle ranching.

He had previously made this commitment during a live broadcast earlier in the week.

The “Power our planet” event features global music attractions, including American singer Billie Eilish.

Lula mentioned that the invitation to participate was extended by Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay.

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