U.S. Chamber Leads American Business Engagement at COP30 in Brazil

As COP30 unfolded in the heart of Brazil’s Amazon region, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was there to showcase the commitment and innovation of American companies to developing and implementing effective climate and sustainability solutions. Throughout the year, we hosted high-level events in Washington, DC, New York, São Paulo, and Belem, uniting business leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to emphasize the partnerships necessary to succeed.

The U.S. Chamber’s Presence at COP30 in Belem, Brazil

At COP30, U.S. companies from diverse sectors—including energy, agriculture, technology, transportation, logistics, and finance—partnered with the Chamber to showcase cutting-edge solutions. With the right policy frameworks and market signals, these innovations have the potential to scale globally, providing new opportunities for U.S. companies. We focused on the role the private sector can play in addressing climate and environmental challenges, with a particular emphasis on Brazilian priorities such as sustainable agriculture, energy transition, and nature-based solutions. Here's a recap of the discussions we had in Brazil and in the lead up to COP.

Pragmatic Business Solutions for Carbon Accounting and Emission Reductions (November 8)

Carbon Measures – a global coalition of leading industrial, energy, and financial firms – introduced a new global effort to improve carbon accounting practices and support emissions reduction initiatives. The coalition aims to develop a “ledger-based” carbon accounting framework to eliminate double counting across value chains and establish consistent, comparable metrics for the carbon intensity of industrial products. Modeled on accounting principles such as completeness, transparency, comparability, and verifiability—like GAAP rules used in financial reporting—the framework seeks to build trust in carbon measurement systems. Attendees, including ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods and executives from BlackRock, S&P, Honeywell, EY, and others, discussed how the private sector can collaborate with governments, standard-setters, scientists and experts to enhance confidence in carbon reporting systems.

Business Dialogue for a Low-Carbon Economy at the Blue Zone (November 13)

In partnership with the Brazilian National Confederation of Industries (CNI), the Chamber hosted “Low Carbon Business Dialogues,” featuring private sector leaders from GE Vernova, Bank of America, Baker Hughes, and Bayer. The conversation covered nature-based solutions, reforestation, regenerative agriculture, carbon markets, and energy security. Participants emphasized the importance of policy mechanisms to scale these solutions globally.

Advancing Energy Security Through Circular Economy Innovation at EY House (November 14)

The Chamber, AmCham Brazil, and Novelis hosted a high-level dialogue, moderated by the MIT Climate Policy Center, on circular economy strategies to strengthen energy security and economic resilience. Industry leaders discussed advanced recycling, modular standards, and policy frameworks to accelerate energy savings and emissions reductions.

Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (November 15)

Hosted at Casa Bayer, our panel discussion with representatives from Bayer, Topsoe, ExxonMobil, and AmCham Brazil highlighted the importance of collaboration across the supply chain to reduce carbon emissions from aviation.

Other spotlight events included AmCham Brazil’s COP30 Business Forum which explored opportunities for U.S.-Brazil cooperation on clean energy, carbon markets, and more, and a Transition Plan Bootcamp hosted by KPMG.

Additionally, the Chamber recently released a white paper on sustainable aviation fuel, which you can read here.

Sustainable Business COP30 (SB COP)

SB COP, launched at COP30 but extending to future COPs, is a global initiative aimed at structuring and strengthening private sector participation in global climate negotiations.  The US Chamber is a member of the SB COP Business Council.

Among other goals, SB COP seeks to strengthen dialogue between companies and governments, create a structured public-private collaboration channel, and help ensure the business sector is a strategic partner to implement climate solutions.

The Lead-Up to COP30

Throughout the year, the Chamber hosted strategic engagements to foster collaboration among businesses, governments, and stakeholders to advance private-sector solutions. Our theme, Business Delivers Solutions, underscores the private sector's role in driving innovation, facilitating financing, and deploying technologies to lower emissions worldwide. 

COP30 Kick-Off Event (April)
The Chamber hosted a gathering in Washington featuring COP 30 President and Brazilian Ambassador to India and Bhutan André Corrêa do Lago and Ambassador to the U.S. Maria Luiza Viotti. The event highlighted shared challenges and opportunities in energy, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy financing, with contributions from companies like Bank of America, Bayer, and Baker Hughes. 

Business Innovation Mission to Brazil (June)

The Chamber, in partnership with AmCham Brazil, led a mission to Brasília and São Paulo in June, fostering collaboration in energy security, sustainable finance, critical minerals, and climate leadership. The mission included a Sustainable Finance Roundtable in São Paulo and discussions with Brazilian ministries and COP30 leadership. 

COP30 Roundtable during New York Climate Week (September)

The Chamber convened more than 70 global leaders, policymakers, and business executives at a breakfast roundtable in New York City for Climate Week. Discussions focused on sustainable financing, agriculture, energy, and bioeconomy solutions. Ricardo Mussa, Chair of SB COP, presented recommendations to the COP30 presidency, emphasizing the private sector’s role in advancing climate solutions.

The Chamber’s Commitment to Climate Action

Our participation at COP30 and our year-long preparation represents the Chamber’s dedication to ensuring the U.S. private sector remains global leaders in significant markets. By aligning with Brazil’s vision of COP30 as the “COP of implementation and action,” the Chamber and our partners are demonstrating our collective ability to foster collaboration and innovation. Through practical, durable policies and initiatives, we champion solutions that enhance economic competitiveness while advancing global sustainability goals.

About the author

Martin Durbin

Martin (Marty) Durbin is president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute (GEI). Durbin leads GEI’s efforts to build support for meaningful energy action through policy development, education, and advocacy, making it a go-to voice for commonsense energy solutions.

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