Canada Joins Mexico, UAE, Brazil, Italy, Kenya, Japan, and More in Supporting Broader Climate Declarations at COP30: How It Impacts the Future of Business Travel – Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 12, 2025

In a move that signals a growing commitment to global climate action, Canada has joined a coalition of countries, including Mexico, UAE, Brazil, Italy, Kenya, Guatemala, and Japan, in supporting broader climate declarations at the COP30 summit held in Belém, Brazil. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in international climate policy, particularly concerning the business travel sector, which is increasingly scrutinized for its environmental impact.

At COP30, these nations reinforced their commitment to sustainable development and pledged to accelerate efforts toward decarbonizing industries, including aviation, transportation, and energy use. While the summit made headlines for its bold climate goals, it also highlighted the urgency of creating actionable, global solutions to address climate change.

This climate coalition is critical for business travel, which accounts for a significant portion of global emissions. With the Belém Declaration calling for the adoption of cleaner technologies and sustainable practices, business travel managers and tourists alike are now facing a future where sustainability will be a driving force in the travel industry.

How COP30’s Climate Declarations Will Shape Business Travel

One of the most pressing outcomes from COP30 is the focus on sustainable business travel. Canada’s endorsement of the climate pledges signals to corporate travel managers and tourism providers that sustainable practices will no longer be optional but mandatory. This shift will impact how companies plan their travel programs and manage their carbon footprints.

The global shift toward sustainable business practices is a direct response to rising pressure from investors, governments, and consumers who demand more environmentally responsible corporate behavior. By committing to climate declarations, these nations set a standard for companies to follow, which will impact how business travel is conducted in the future.

Here are the countries that endorsed the key COP30 Belém 4X sustainable fuels pledge (a major new commitment from the summit to quadruple sustainable fuel use by 2035), based on official reporting:

Endorsers of the Belém 4X Pledge at COP30:

Andorra, Armenia, Belarus, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, the Netherlands, North Korea (DPRK), Panama, Sudan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Zambia.

These 23 countries span regions including Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, illustrating broad geographical support for scaling sustainable fuels—especially sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)—as a key climate action following COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

The following 23 countries endorsed the Belém 4X initiative at COP30 to quadruple the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2035:

1. Brazil
2. Italy
3. Japan
4. India
5. Mexico
6. Panama
7. Kenya
8. Armenia
9. Andorra
10. Belarus
11. Cabo Verde
12. Chile
13. Guatemala
14. Mozambique
15. Maldives
16. Myanmar
17. Guinea
18. Netherlands
19. UAE (United Arab Emirates)
20. Zambia
21. North Korea (DPRK)
22. Sudan
23. United Kingdom (UK)

Quick Tips for Business Travellers:

• Choose eco-friendly accommodation: Look for hotels or venues with sustainability certifications, such as Green Key or LEED.
• Opt for trains over flights: For short-haul routes, consider taking train journeys instead of flying to reduce carbon emissions.
• Offset carbon emissions: Invest in carbon offset programs or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) options when booking flights.
• Track your carbon footprint: Use tools that calculate business travel emissions and help you make informed decisions about your travel choices.

Implications for Tourism: A Sustainable Future for Travelers

COP30’s climate commitments are not limited to business travel alone; they also have profound implications for tourists. As the travel industry responds to these changes, tourists will increasingly be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices when planning vacations. Whether it’s opting for eco-friendly transportation, staying at sustainable accommodations, or supporting local, green businesses, the shift toward sustainability will directly influence how future vacation destinations are chosen.

The growing trend of sustainable tourism has already gained momentum, with tourists showing an increased interest in destinations that prioritize environmental responsibility. COP30’s emphasis on reducing emissions and investing in climate resilience signals that more destinations will be looking to showcase their green credentials to attract conscious travellers.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Opt for sustainable destinations: Choose eco-conscious cities or countries that prioritize environmental efforts, such as Canada, Sweden, or Norway.
• Support local, sustainable businesses: Explore local markets, eat at eco-friendly restaurants, and engage with businesses that focus on sustainable practices.
• Reduce waste: Carry reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags to minimize your environmental impact while travelling.
• Research eco-tourism options: Look for tours or packages that promote low-impact travel and contribute positively to local communities.

The Road Ahead: Integrating Sustainability into Travel Programs

As COP30 highlighted, the travel industry is on the cusp of a major transformation. For businesses and tourists, sustainability is increasingly being woven into the fabric of travel planning. Corporate responsibility and environmental accountability are no longer just buzzwords but essential components of a sustainable future.

The Belém Declaration on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), green transportation, and carbon emissions reduction shows a clear path forward. Business travel managers must now integrate climate risk assessments and sustainable travel policies into their planning processes. Similarly, tourists will need to make more informed decisions about their travel, from choosing sustainable airlines to selecting destinations that have committed to green practices.

Quick Tips for Travel Managers:

• Adopt green policies: Ensure that your company’s travel policies include sustainable travel practices, such as offsetting travel emissions and supporting low-carbon transport options.
• Engage with suppliers: Work with airlines, hotels, and ground transport providers that prioritize sustainability and carbon-neutral travel.
• Stay ahead of regulations: Keep up-to-date with new sustainability regulations and adapt your corporate travel policies accordingly to comply with changing global standards.

Conclusion: COP30’s Influence on the Future of Business Travel and Tourism

COP30 marks a significant milestone in the global sustainability journey, particularly for the business travel and tourism sectors. With Canada, Mexico, UAE, Brazil, and other nations backing the new climate declarations, the road ahead for the travel industry is clear—sustainability will be at the forefront of all future travel decisions.

For business travellers, tourists, and industry leaders, the message from COP30 is clear: act now to embed sustainability in your travel practices. From using sustainable aviation fuel to embracing Scope 3 emissions reporting, the shift toward a greener and more responsible travel industry is inevitable. Those who take proactive steps now will be better positioned for success in a world that increasingly values environmental responsibility.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated