November 2, 2025

Just a week before the huge COP30 climate summit kicks off in Brazil, dozens of countries are still hunting for places to stay! Around 50,000 delegates are expected in the lush rainforest city of Belem from November 10 to 21. Nearly every country’s government will gather here to discuss climate goals. But there’s a big problem: Belem only has about 18,000 hotel beds, and prices have shot up to a few hundred dollars per night. As of October 31, 149 countries had confirmed their lodging, but 37 were still scrambling, according to the Brazilian government. The soaring accommodation costs had already caused big worries. The United Nations held emergency talks after African nations and small island countries said they might miss the summit because even subsidized hotel prices were too high. In a bold last-minute move, Brazil offered free cabins on cruise ships docked in Belem to poorer countries. An email from the U.N. climate secretariat revealed these cabins would be paid for by "private donors" and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Brazil, teaming up with the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), will manage this special housing. The email said, "These cabins will be offered free of cost to your delegation," and stressed these spots are in addition to current bookings. The UNFCCC and UNDP didn’t respond to questions about this offer. Andre Correa do Lago, president of COP30, said the free cabins will go mainly to African countries, small island states, and Least Developed Countries—roughly 96 nations in total. He promised, "With this, we will have significant support so that all developing countries can be present at the COP." However, accommodation remains eye-wateringly pricey. Some rich European countries might even skip the summit after hotel prices hit over $500 per person per night. Can Brazil’s cruise cabins save the day for the COP30 and ensure that every nation, big or small, rich or poor, gets to have their say about our planet’s future? The countdown is on!

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Tags: Cop30, Climate Summit, Brazil, Accommodation, Developing countries, Un,