The UN gathering in the Amazonian city of Belém is beset by hurdles, not least because of concerns that US climate scepticism will prove contagious. The era of international climate rulemaking may be over, but the hosts retain an optimistic tone.

First seen as a mere staging post on the path to climate neutrality, the EU’s objective to legislate for 90% emissions cuts by 2040 has now become a major political headache. Pushback from member states has forced the European Commission to offer reassurances on topics from cars to forestry — but lofty climate ambitions limit Brussels’ wiggle room. If a 23 October summit discussion on climate goals spills over, some warn it could prove messy — and divisive.

Watch the replay of our Contexte Live discussion on the EU’s plan to phase out gas, oil and nuclear imports from Moscow.