One of the most consequential rounds of global climate negotiations has kicked off in Belém, Brazil. Leaders from nearly every country in the world — but notably, not the US — are gathering to try to ramp up action on climate change during a time of tremendous transformation when it comes to both energy systems and international cooperation.

It’s hard to imagine a more fitting start to a global climate conference than the lights going out. But that is what happened during the opening ceremony of the United Nations COP30 talks in Brazil. The event sank further into chaos when indigenous protesters broke through the security perimeter and U.

The Trump administration sent nobody to the U.N. global climate summit, leaving California Governor Gavin Newsom to ask, "What the hell is going on here?"

A top United Nations official reportedly directed Brazilian authorities to immediately address concerns like leaky light fixtures, unbearable heat, and