A dramatic emergency at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, forced thousands of delegates to evacuate after a sudden fire broke out inside the conference’s secured Blue Zone. Thick smoke poured from one of the exhibition pavilions as alarms sounded and security rushed attendees out of the venue. Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation, though none seriously injured. Fire crews contained the blaze in just six minutes, with early reports pointing to an electrical fault, possibly from a microwave. But the timing couldn’t be worse. COP30 is already behind schedule, with stalled negotiations on climate finance and fossil-fuel phase-out goals. Small island nations voiced frustration as precious negotiating hours were lost. As talks resume under intense pressure, Brazil’s latest draft text still lacks a clear roadmap away from oil, gas, and coal. With less than 48 hours remaining, the world is watching to see whether the summit can deliver—or Crack under the strain.
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