Bangladesh, Nov. 16 -- As nearly 50,000 delegates representing more than 190 countries descended on the Brazilian city of Belem earlier this week for COP30, the mood was markedly different from the hopeful spirit that once defined global climate gatherings. Instead of exuberant expectations for new milestones, the two-week negotiations appear poised to confront a colder truth: the world is running out of time, political will, and public patience. Increasingly, the question is no longer about crafting another climate deal but about implementing those already signed – many of which remain unfulfilled.

At the center of this reckoning is Andre Correa do Lago, president of this years UN climate talks, who issued a stark warning even bef...