Our shared journey: AIA engagement at COP30 and the future of climate action

As AIA prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, a summit focused on accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement, I’m reminded that climate action is not about the destination—it’s about the journey. Architects have been charting that journey for decades: reshaping skylines, rebuilding after disaster, and reimagining what resilience looks like. This year’s path has its obstacles, but it’s also full of possibilities.  

The latest disruption comes from the federal administration’s withdrawal from international climate negotiations and attempts to roll back shifts to more sustainable business practices—threatening to stall the progress we’ve made. The stakes are both economic and existential: a recent study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that “every $1 not invested in disaster resilience today can cost communities up to $33 in lost future economic activity.”

At the same time, scientists warn that we may be nearing critical tipping points with cascading effects for our planet. My concern is that industry professionals, stakeholders, and the public who have been steadfast on this journey might lose hope as 2030 approaches. Yes, we are falling short of global goals—but we must also recognize the progress, the many victories, and the collective resilience that continue to move us forward. 

It’s about progress. It’s about improvement. It’s about the victories along the way that inspire the next difficult step toward a resilient, sustainable, healthy, and equitable world. 

Striving to be better than before is a universal pursuit—whether you’re a business owner, an athlete, or a lifelong learner. Each year, we train, practice, and evolve—learning from failure to discover better methods and more meaningful outcomes. That same spirit defines our profession.

Every action architects have taken to advance sustainable, resilient design has helped push back critical thresholds and delay tipping points. That is success. Each small victory has prepared us for the greater work ahead. Now is the time to accelerate action—to embrace regenerative systems, design, and implementation that heal the Earth rather than merely treat its symptoms. Incorporating ecosystem services into our design process is no longer optional—it is essential to achieving lasting, regenerative outcomes. 

Real implementation happens locally, project by project, block by block. As nations negotiate in Belém, architects are already delivering results in their own communities. States and cities are setting ambitious building performance standards. Local governments are investing in resilient infrastructure. And every design decision we make—every retrofit, reuse, and restoration translates the goals of the Paris agreement into real-world impact.  

Our engagement at this "Implementation COP" is centered on the power of design thinking, the need for increased investment in solutions, and the vital role of codes and standards in achieving resilience and decarbonization. Our collaboration with organizations such as the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction leverages collective strength to validate climate action and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). We make valuable inroads with policymakers at all levels—from the United Nations to national governments, down to small town mayors. 

As the people who design buildings—where we spend most of our time—we understand the interconnected nature of this challenge. Architecture is not only a shelter; it sustains life, culture, and community. And part of our duty as AIA members is to ensure that our leaders recognize the value we bring. 

This “Implementation COP” represents an opportunity to shift from promises to action—to confirm our leadership in co-design, community resilience, and regenerative practice. Healing versus curing is the distinction before us.

At COP30, our team will speak at major events, engage in high-level meetings with policymakers, and seek deeper opportunities to amplify the work of AIA members. Implementation is what we do. Across the world, architects are already demonstrating extraordinary examples of resilient and regenerative design—proof that our profession is central to navigating the complexity of changing climate.  

Our advocacy continues to advance priorities such as resilient housing, equitable community development, and sustainable infrastructure–all essential to a climate-ready future. We don’t do this work alone, at home or abroad. We are grateful for the strong partnerships we have across the AEC industry who share our commitment to a brighter world.  

Let’s remember: COP30 is a milestone, not the finish line. The path ahead will test our creativity and courage. But as architects, we are built for this. Our work will continue to shape a better world for generations to come. 

Illya Azaroff, FAIA, is 2025 AIA President-Elect and 2026 AIA President.