COP30: World leaders take aim at Trump for climate inaction

US President Donald Trump has been criticised by world leaders for his stance on climate change, ahead of the global COP30 summit.

President Trump, who is not attending the meeting in the Amazonian city of Belém, was called a liar by the leaders of Colombia and Chile for his rejection of climate science.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the waning political support on climate change. He said it had been a unity issue internationally and in the UK but "today sadly that consensus is gone".

Over the next two weeks countries will try and negotiate a new deal on climate change, with a particular focus on channelling more money to forest protection.

Prince William tried to encourage leaders to overcome their differences and move forward with action.

"I have long believed in the power of urgent optimism: the conviction that, even in the face of daunting challenges, we have the ingenuity and determination to make a difference, and to do so now," he said.

And he urged them to take action for the sake of their children and grandchildren.

"Let us rise to this moment with the clarity that history demands of us. Let us be the generation that turned the tide - not for applause, but for the quiet gratitude of those yet to be born," he said.

From Monday, countries will spend two weeks negotiating further action on climate change - with crucial questions on how to raise finance previously pledged for those already affected by the worst impacts of climate change.

The last few weeks have seen devastating extreme weather globally.

Hurricane Melissa, which hit the Caribbean last week, is one of the strongest the island nations have ever experienced - resulting in the deaths of more than 75 people.

Recent analysis from Imperial College has suggested that climate change increased the extreme rainfall associated with the Category 5 hurricane by 16%.

Additional reporting by Ione Wells and Justin Rowlatt