Brazil, host of this year's top climate summit, is both a clean energy leader and a source of climate controversy. President Lula has pledged to end illegal deforestation by 2030, and rates dropped over 30% last year. Yet wildfires driven by historic drought doubled rainforest loss in 2024.

While 80% of Brazil's electricity comes from renewables, the government approved new oil drilling near the Amazon. At COP30, Brazil will propose a global fund to reward countries for preserving rainforests — highlighting its struggle to balance environmental goals with economic pressures.