More than 700 fossil fuel lobbyists have secured accreditation for the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil, according to data analysed by climate campaign groups. This record number of industry representatives will have formal access to the critical negotiations where world leaders attempt to forge agreements on limiting global warming.
Unprecedented Industry Presence at Climate Talks
The analysis reveals that at least 700 individuals connected to fossil fuel interests have been registered for the conference scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, during November 2025. This figure represents a significant increase from previous years and has sparked outrage among environmental organisations and climate activists.
Campaigners from Corporate Accountability, Corporate Europe Observatory, and Global Witness conducted the research, highlighting what they describe as "a systematic effort by fossil fuel companies to influence climate policy from within". The sheer scale of industry representation means that fossil fuel lobbyists will outnumber the official delegations of many countries attending the summit.
Brazil's Controversial Accreditation Process
The situation has raised serious questions about the accreditation process managed by the Brazilian government. Unlike last year's COP29 in Azerbaijan, where a similar analysis identified hundreds of fossil fuel lobbyists, Brazil had committed to running a more transparent and inclusive summit.
Despite these promises, the current figures suggest that fossil fuel interests continue to enjoy privileged access to the very negotiations that will determine the future of global climate action. Campaigners argue that this creates an inherent conflict of interest, comparing it to allowing tobacco companies to dominate health policy discussions.
The presence of these lobbyists becomes particularly concerning given the crucial nature of COP30. This summit is expected to focus heavily on implementing the transition away from fossil fuels that was nominally agreed upon at previous conferences. Having the industry most resistant to this transition so heavily represented threatens to undermine meaningful progress.
Calls for Exclusion and Transparency Reforms
Climate advocacy groups are now demanding immediate action from both the Brazilian hosts and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). They propose implementing a conflict of interest policy that would restrict the access of fossil fuel lobbyists to climate negotiations.
Campaigners emphasise that while other business sectors have legitimate roles in the energy transition, fossil fuel companies have a documented history of delaying climate action and spreading misinformation. Their overwhelming presence at COP30 could potentially water down agreements and prevent the ambitious action scientists say is necessary to avoid catastrophic warming.
The analysis comes as preparatory meetings for COP30 are already underway, setting the stage for what could become one of the most contentious climate summits in recent years. With the world continuing to experience record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events, the stakes for effective climate policy have never been higher.
As one campaigner noted, "When the arsonists are helping to run the fire department, you can't be surprised when the blaze continues to spread." The battle over who gets a seat at the table at COP30 may ultimately determine whether the summit produces genuine solutions or becomes another exercise in climate delay.
