As COP30 opens for the more than 190 countries participating, it is unclear what exactly they will discuss during the two-week UN summit in Brazil's Amazon city of Belem.

Also unclear is how they'll handle testy issues, such as a 2023 pledge to wean off polluting energy sources and demand for financing to make that happen.

But the biggest question mark was whether countries would aim to negotiate a final agreement – a hard sell in a year of fractious global politics and US efforts to obstruct a transition away from fossil fuels.

Some including Brazil have suggested that countries focus on smaller efforts that don't need consensus, after years of COP summits that have celebrated lofty promises only to leave many unfulfilled.

"My preference is not to need a COP decision," COP30 President

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