São Paulo Climate and Environment Secretaries Say They Still Don't Have Lodging for COP30

Forty days before COP30, Sao Paulo State Environment Secretary Natalia Resende and the capital citys Executive Secretary for Climate Change, Jose Renato Nalini, say they have not yet secured lodging in Belem. Both state they are negotiating bookings and attribute the delay to high prices. Nalini says that at COP29 in Baku he had reserved his place two months in advance. This year he is seeking support from religious entities. "If theres a convent, seminary, or retreat house, Ill pay," he said. Local churches have created a platform to offer between 1,000 and 3,000 free beds in Belem and neighboring cities. According to Nalini, the daily allowance subsidized by the city hall does not cover costs. "I didnt want to spend R$30,000 ($5,550) to go to Belem. The costs are exaggerated." Asked for comment, Ricardo Nuness (MDB) administration did not respond. Natalia Resende, from Governor Tarcisio de Freitass (Republicans) government, says she is expected to participate in panels on sanitation and energy transition but is still looking for lodging. "Everyone is a bit like this with the logistics issue." The price surge has become an international crisis. The UN raised the daily support to developing countries from US$144 to US$197 (about R$1,040). A survey by the Public Defenders Office showed daily rates up to 20 times higher than during the Cirio de Nazare, a procession that draws millions of faithful to Belem. Chief of Staff Minister Rui Costa (PT) said the government will go to court over abusive prices. According to the organization, 87 delegations have already booked lodging in the Para state capital.