Brazil’s COP30 presidency successfully brokered a compromise climate agreement on Saturday that aims to increase financial support for developing nations dealing with the impacts of climate change, without mentioning the role of fossil fuels in driving these changes. Brazil sought to showcase global solidarity in tackling climate challenges, despite the absence of an official delegation from the United States, historically the largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

Following two weeks of intense negotiations in Belém, Brazil, the agreement, which was reached after extended discussions, highlighted divisions on the strategies for future climate action. André Corrêa do Lago, the conference president, acknowledged the arduous nature of the talks, recognizing that some participants had higher expectations regarding certain issues under consideration.

Several countries, including Colombia, Panama, and Uruguay, raised objections to the agreement’s lack of concrete plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the use of fossil fuels. Colombia emphasized the crucial role of fossil fuels in driving climate change and expressed dissatisfaction with an agreement that appeared to disregard scientific evidence.

The summit faced challenges as different countries, led by the European Union, pushed for language in the agreement promoting a transition away from fossil fuels. However, a coalition of nations, including Saudi Arabia, opposed any mention of fossil fuels in the final deal. Ultimately, after intense negotiations, the EU agreed not to block the agreement, although it expressed reservations about the outcome.

The agreement also introduces a voluntary initiative to expedite climate action and urges wealthy nations to triple their financial assistance to help developing countries adapt to a changing climate by 2035. Developing nations stressed the urgent need for funding to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Despite some countries expressing dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the agreement, the conference president emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions on critical issues. The agreement also initiates a process for reviewing how international trade can align with climate action to address concerns about trade barriers hindering the adoption of clean technologies.

A member of Mexico’s ruling party has criticized local media for using a revised Canadian travel advisory to target Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The update by Global Affairs Canada on November 13 focused on reducing the threat level in specific areas of Mazatlán on the Pacific Coast, while the rest of the advisory remained unchanged. However, local media incorrectly reported that Canada had issued a new travel warning for 14 states and Mexico City, sparking a wave of coverage throughout the week.

The news stories emerged following an anti-government protest in Mexico City on November 15, where concerns about rising insecurity were a primary issue. The demonstration, led by Generation Z groups, turned violent when protesters clashed with riot police near the National Palace. The incident occurred in the aftermath of the assassination of Carlos Manzo, an anti-cartel mayor in Michoacán, which led to widespread protests in the state.

Deputy Maribel Solache González of the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena) accused opposition parties of exploiting security concerns to criticize the government, fueled by the Canadian travel advisory. Morena currently holds majorities in legislative bodies and most state governorships, having won the last two presidential elections.

President Sheinbaum stated that her government would seek clarification from the Canadian Embassy regarding the advisory, emphasizing that such warnings do not significantly impact tourism, with a reported 11% increase in Canadian visitors to Mexico this year. It remains unclear if Mexico officially requested clarification from Canada.

Opposition lawmakers, however, argued that the Canadian advisory reflects the country’s reality. Deputy Mario Zamora Gastélum, representing the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), criticized Morena’s security efforts in Sinaloa, highlighting ongoing violence and disappearances in the region. The Canadian advisory cautions against non-essential travel to parts of Sinaloa, advising heightened caution in specific areas of Mazatlán.

Deputy Paulina Rubio Fernández of the National Action Party (PAN) criticized the federal government’s security strategy, pointing to growing violence in states and a lack of effective containment measures. The advisory also warns against travel near Jalisco’s border with Michoacán.

In response, Francisco Aguilar Ordóñez, representing Acapulco’s hospitality sector, called for a complete retraction of the Canadian advisory, emphasizing the safety and support offered to Canadian visitors in the region.