Oscar Abel Sánchez Velázquez

Job title:

Area of work and how it relates to COP30:

My area of work focuses on sustainable food systems, alternative proteins, and the connections between biodiversity, food security, and carbon markets. This is highly relevant to COP30 as food systems account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, but they also offer powerful opportunities for climate change mitigation and adaptation. By integrating biodiversity conservation, low-emission food production, and community-based approaches, this field contributes to building more resilient and equitable climate solutions.

What are the big issues that COP30 needs to address? What are your hopes for the negotiations?

COP30 must address the urgent need for stronger and more equitable climate action, moving from commitments to concrete implementation. Key issues include ensuring ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), scaling up climate finance, accelerating adaptation measures, and integrating biodiversity and food systems into climate strategies. It is also crucial to advance on loss and damage mechanisms to support vulnerable communities who are already experiencing severe climate impacts.

My hope for COP30 is that negotiations lead to clear and enforceable pathways that prioritize both mitigation and adaptation, while ensuring climate justice and the inclusion of traditionally underrepresented sectors, such as food systems. I believe COP30 has the potential to catalyze more systemic, cross-sectoral solutions that can create meaningful change on a global scale.

What's your message for world leaders at COP30?

My message to world leaders at COP30 is clear: climate action must go beyond promises and focus on systemic change. Food systems, biodiversity, and local communities must be at the heart of climate strategies. Invest in solutions that are fair, science-based, and inclusive, empowering those who are already driving change on the ground. We can no longer afford fragmented approaches — real transformation requires courage, collaboration, and accountability

Do you have any tips about climate action that you can share?

Climate action starts with recognizing that every decision matters. Support sustainable food systems, protect biodiversity, and amplify the voices of local and Indigenous communities leading real solutions. Change happens faster when science, policy, and people work together. No action is too small when it’s part of a collective movement.