Coverage of the “On the Ground at COP30: Insights from Gayle Schueller, Chief Sustainability Officer at 3M” was produced by UN Global Compact Network USA.

Belém, Brazil — COP30 – Speaking from the heart of Amazonia, Gayle Schueller, Chief Sustainability Officer at 3M, shared candid insights on what distinguishes COP30 from past climate summits — and why she believes this year marks a pivotal turning point in global climate action.

Schueller described COP30 as “the COP of implementation,” emphasizing that the global community has finally moved beyond negotiation cycles and into the phase of real-world delivery. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, she noted, the data shows meaningful progress: global emissions pathways have shifted dramatically from a projected 4.0°C trajectorya decade ago, to 2.8°C, and now 2.4°C based on current national commitments.

While stressing that countries must now follow through, she called this a “critical milestone” that reflects accelerating momentum.

A major theme she highlighted is the rapid rise of clean technologies. Schueller pointed out that renewable energy has become “the faster, cheaper choice,” with electric vehicles, advanced batteries, and other breakthrough technologies climbing their S-curves at unprecedented speed. This technological acceleration, she said, is helping bend the emissions curve in ways not seen at any previous COP.

Much of Gayle Schueller’s time in Belém has been focused on energy transition discussions, though she acknowledged significant parallel work on agriculture and food systems. She praised Brazil’s leadership and the cooperative spirit across delegations and companies.

Looking ahead, Schueller noted uncertainty around where COP31 will be held — with Australia, Turkey, and Germany among the contenders — but emphasized that global momentum must continue regardless of location.

Her standout message from the week came down to one theme: trust.
“The energy transition will move at the pace of trust,” Gayle Schueller said — trust between companies, trust in government policy stability, and trust from communities that the transition will deliver real benefits.

As COP30 enters its final negotiations, Schueller remains optimistic about increased financial commitments, timely conclusions, and continued progress. “Stay tuned,” she urged, noting that collaboration and trust will determine how fast the world can move toward a sustainable future.

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