UN Climate Summit in Brazil Disrupted by Fire; Environmental Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan Present

A fire broke out at the venue of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Belém, Brazil, just as negotiators were preparing to sign a deal. Reuters reports that all participants at the conference were evacuated from the building.

The fire ignited on November 20, shortly after noon, in one of the exhibition booths. Thirteen individuals required medical attention due to smoke inhalation, and assistance was provided on site.

According to firefighters, the likely cause of the fire was electrical equipment, possibly a microwave oven. The fire was brought under control within six minutes.

Approximately 200 country representatives are attending the summit, which runs from November 10 to 21. Brazil has drafted an agreement aimed at enhancing efforts related to climate change and increasing funding for those initiatives. One of the main topics of discussion has been the transition away from fossil fuels.

It is also noteworthy that Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan, is present in Brazil to participate in COP30.