A joint investigation by DeSmog and The Guardian revealed that over 300 industrial agriculture lobbyists attended this year's COP30 event, with some gaining "privileged access" to international climate policy negotiations. The presence of these lobbyists, representing interests such as cattle farming and pesticides, has raised concerns about their influence on decision-making at the conference.

While COP30 also saw the largest number of Indigenous delegates in its history, activists have criticized the disproportionate presence of agribusiness lobbyists. The conference was described as a "hostage negotiation" by one expert, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive and genuine conversations around climate action that prioritize the voices of those most impacted by deforestation and ecosystem destruction.