The Guardian view on Cop30: Starmer must stop havering and announce that he’s going to Brazil | Editorial

With global heating on a dangerous trajectory, it would be unforgivable for the prime minister to miss the summit in Belem

In a month, this year's UN climate summit, Cop30, begins in Belem, Brazil - preceded by a key leaders' meeting. It is a crucial moment. The UN's scientists have yet to publish calculations based on the latest round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) - as countries' emissions pledges are known. But Brazil'spresident, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has called leaders together because it is already clear that the current emissions pledges are nowhere near enough. The Paris 1.5C threshold was crossed last year. Without stronger action, that temporary breach will become irreversible - with devastating consequences for people and planet.

Lula's diplomatic outreach to Donald Trump, who calls the climate crisis a con job", suggests he is trying to bring key players into the fold ahead of Belem. Having heavyweights in the room can make all the difference. Ten years ago in Paris, world leaders' presence proved crucial to securing an ambitious deal. That's why it is important that Sir Keir Starmer attends. He may not be the most powerful world leader, but his presence is a moral and diplomatic imperative. If KingCharles is able to, he ought to go too. Soft power can help to rebuild the spirit of cooperation to keep thehopes in the Paris agreement alive.