COP30 Must Address the Climate Crisis: Corporate Accountability’s Call for Urgent Action

Published on November 23, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As COP30 approaches its final stages, climate experts are growing increasingly alarmed about the lack of urgency in addressing the ongoing climate crisis. Rachel Rose Jackson, Director of Climate Research and Policy at Corporate Accountability, issued a stark statement calling out the inadequacies of global climate action. With the climate crisis already wreaking havoc on communities, particularly those on the frontlines, Jackson urges leaders at COP30 to take meaningful, immediate action. The world cannot afford another conference filled with empty promises or half-hearted commitments. As the global temperature continues to rise, Jackson highlights the need for bold, decisive actions that match the scale of the crisis.

The reality of the climate crisis is not just something happening in the abstract. The devastating wildfires in parts of the world, including the recent fires in the climate talks’ own halls, serve as a literal manifestation of what is happening in many communities across the globe. Jackson points out that while governments gather to discuss solutions, the world outside the climate talks is already experiencing catastrophic consequences. This is a stark reminder that words and plans are no longer enough. Climate action must be fast, bold, and aligned with the severity of the challenges at hand. For Jackson, COP30 cannot be deemed a success if the pace of action continues at a sluggish pace, while the world burns.

The Global North Must Do More for Climate Action

Jackson directs particular criticism at the Global North, including the European Union (EU) and the United States, for their failure to take responsibility for the historical damage caused by their emissions. The EU, as one of the largest historical polluters, continues to avoid taking meaningful action by outsourcing its obligations. Jackson makes it clear that the Global North has long been responsible for a disproportionate amount of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, it is their duty to take the lead in both emissions reduction and financial contributions to help developing nations. Yet, despite this, the actions of wealthy nations fall far short of what is necessary.

The United States, in particular, is singled out for its hypocrisy. While initially claiming it would not engage in meaningful climate action, it continues to push forward with policies that expand oil and gas drilling at home. Jackson sees this as yet another instance of the US manipulating the climate talks, pretending to engage while simultaneously undermining progress. The dissonance between political statements and actual policies needs to end. For Jackson, it’s time to hold these countries accountable for their inaction and demand that they live up to their obligations on the global stage.

The Need to ‘Kick Big Polluters Out’

Another critical point raised by Jackson is the influence of Big Polluters—large corporations that contribute significantly to the climate crisis. These companies have long written the rules of climate action, often pushing for policies that benefit their profits at the expense of the planet. Jackson argues that this system must be reset. The influence of these corporations on policy must be curbed to ensure that climate action is prioritised over corporate interests.

Jackson’s call to “Kick Big Polluters Out” speaks to the urgent need to dismantle the systems that allow polluting corporations to evade accountability. These companies must no longer be able to manipulate policies or hold up necessary climate measures. Instead, the focus must shift to building a fairer, more just system where climate solutions are centred on people and the planet, not profits. This requires systemic changes and a complete overhaul of the current climate action framework.

The Global South Deserves Climate Justice

One of the most pressing issues highlighted in Jackson’s statement is the growing disparity between the Global North and the Global South in terms of climate responsibility. While wealthier nations continue to avoid their obligations, countries in the Global South—those that have contributed the least to the crisis—are bearing the brunt of its effects. These nations face the most severe impacts of climate change, from devastating floods to crippling droughts, yet they receive the least support.

For Jackson, COP30 must prioritise climate justice by ensuring that the Global North pays its climate debt. This means not only reducing emissions but also providing financial support to countries most affected by climate change. Jackson urges world leaders to put an end to the practice of leaving developing countries to fend for themselves, often with limited resources and no capacity to mitigate the damage caused by others. The time for justice is now, and COP30 must be the moment when climate debt is acknowledged and repaid.

The Fossil Fuel Era Must End Now

At the heart of Jackson’s statement is a demand for the global community to urgently and justly end the fossil fuel era. The continued reliance on fossil fuels is not just a harmful practice; it is the root cause of the climate crisis. Despite the mounting evidence of the environmental and social harms caused by fossil fuel extraction and consumption, the industry continues to thrive. Jackson points out that the fossil fuel era cannot continue unchecked. The burning of fossil fuels is poisoning the planet, and it’s crucial that COP30 takes the necessary steps to end this destructive cycle.

The transition to renewable energy must be a central focus of COP30. Jackson calls for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, the implementation of strong policies to phase out fossil fuel extraction, and the promotion of sustainable energy alternatives. These actions must be coupled with a just transition for workers and communities that depend on fossil fuel industries. Only by ending the fossil fuel era can the world begin to chart a new, sustainable path forward, ensuring a livable planet for future generations.

COP30 Must Deliver Real Results—Not Empty Promises

Jackson concludes her statement by emphasising that COP30 cannot be seen as a success unless it delivers real, measurable actions. Words are no longer enough. The time for promises and incremental steps has passed; urgent, large-scale action is required to address the climate crisis. Jackson’s call for change resonates not only with climate advocates but also with the millions of people around the world who are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change. COP30 must be a turning point, a moment when world leaders take the necessary steps to protect the planet and its people from further harm.

The stakes are too high for COP30 to be a repeat of past climate summits, where ambitious goals were set but not met. The world is already in crisis, and the actions taken at COP30 will determine whether humanity can rise to the challenge. Jackson’s call for justice, accountability, and bold action must be the guiding principles as COP30 moves forward. It is time to take decisive action, restore balance, and ensure a sustainable future for all.