“Have a little cry; pick yourself up; dust yourself off; and keep going!” This piece of wisdom from the popular Australian kids’ show Bluey might seem an unusual guidepost for climate diplomacy, but after the underwhelming outcomes of COP29, it’s exactly the mindset the world needs.

Disappointment shouldn’t paralyse us—it should galvanise us to demand better.

As COP29 wraps up and we look ahead to next year’s COP30 in Belém, Brazil, our experts say that organisers must embrace bold, transformative measures to reignite momentum and deliver real progress.

1. Put accountability at the centre
One of the greatest frustrations of recent COPs has been the absence of enforceable commitments. “Voluntary pledges, while well-intentioned, lack teeth,” says Palladium Head of Natural Capital Andrew Sutherland. “COP30 must establish a transparent, binding accountability framework.”

Countries should not only report on progress but face real consequences for failing to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Financial penalties, trade incentives, or access to global climate funds could be tied to performance, ensuring that promises translate into action.

2. Elevate voices from the frontlines
Belém’s Amazonian backdrop is a stark reminder of what’s at stake. Organisers must prioritise the voices of Indigenous peoples, youth, and communities most affected by climate change.

“Too often, these groups are relegated to the sidelines, their insights tokenised rather than integrated,” explains Palladium Senior Advisor Eduardo Tugendhat. COP30 should dedicate plenary sessions to these stakeholders, ensuring their solutions shape the global agenda.

“Amplifying these voices isn’t just equitable—it’s pragmatic. They are the stewards of invaluable ecological knowledge.”

3. Shift from pledges to investments
The era of vague “net-zero by 2050” proclamations must end. COP30 should focus on immediate, tangible investments in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. Wealthy nations must finally deliver the $100 billion per year promised to developing countries—a promise that remains unfulfilled more than a decade later.

“Beyond this, they must commit to new financing mechanisms, such as climate bonds and debt-for-nature swaps,” says Palladium co-CEO Sinéad Magill, “to unlock the trillions needed to address the crisis.”

4. Be Honest About Fossil Fuels
COP29 drew criticism for the prominent presence of fossil fuel lobbyists, which many saw as a conflict of interest. Tugendhat says COP30 must get the balance right between engagement and greenwashing. “Every industry needs to be part of this conversation, and COP organisers should demand transparency and meaningful commitments from all – including fossil fuel companies.”

Corporations should not merely attend to greenwash their reputations but be required to present actionable, science-aligned decarbonisation plans. Tugendhat points to meaningful efforts some companies have made to decarbonise, including through carbon capture technology and other innovations. “We don’t want to paint entire industries with the same brush, but there’s work to be done to earn back the confidence COP29 lost in the way it engaged with fossil fuels.”

5. Leverage Brazil’s leadership
Brazil, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has signalled its ambition to lead on climate action. COP30 offers a unique opportunity to spotlight the Amazon as a global asset.

“Brazil’s leadership can catalyse an international pact to end deforestation, fund rainforest preservation, and create sustainable livelihoods for Amazonian communities,” says Palladium co-CEO Ricardo Michel, who recently returned from a series of visits to Palladium’s projects across Central and South America.

“By using the Amazon as a symbol of hope and action, COP30 can inspire a global rallying cry.”

6. Make it a People’s COP
COP30 must bridge the gap between high-level negotiations and grassroots movements. “Organizers should create accessible platforms for citizens worldwide to engage, whether through virtual town halls, youth forums, or open-source policymaking tools,” says Palladium Chief Communications Officer Elizabeth Godo. “Climate action thrives when it’s democratised.”

The road to COP30 will be challenging, but hope—as activist Mariame Kaba reminds us—is a discipline. It requires action, courage, and resilience. The disappointment of COP29 must not deter us but fuel our determination to make COP30 a turning point.

In the words of Bluey’s mum, let’s dust ourselves off and keep going. There’s no time to lose.