The COP30 climate summit in Brazil is heading into a decisive showdown over the future of fossil fuels after host nation Brazil removed proposals for a global plan to phase out oil, gas, and coal.
A draft agreement released early Friday made no mention of fossil fuels, eliminating earlier references that had sparked debate among nearly 200 participating countries. The move has drawn criticism from nations demanding a clear roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels.
Over 30 countries sent a letter to the COP30 presidency late Thursday, emphasizing that any agreement without a commitment to a fossil fuel transition would be unacceptable. This sets up a tense final session, scheduled to conclude at 6:00 PM local time (9:00 PM GMT). Previous COP summits have often extended past deadlines to reach compromises.
EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra expressed disappointment with the current draft, noting it lacks ambition in cutting emissions. Delegates are expected to discuss the text publicly around 1:00 PM GMT, with any final deal requiring consensus approval.
Fossil fuel discussions remain at the heart of the dispute. Dozens of nations are pushing for a “roadmap” to implement the pledge made at COP28 to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia, are resisting this, according to negotiators. Some developing countries are open to negotiating a phase-out but worry the draft fails to address finance and other critical concerns.
Countries backing the roadmap, including Colombia, France, Germany, Kenya, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, and the UK, stated the current draft “does not meet the minimum conditions for a credible COP outcome.” They insist a fair, just, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels must be included.
The draft also proposed tripling global climate finance by 2030 to support nations adapting to climate change, up from 2025 levels, highlighting that financial support remains a central issue alongside fossil fuel reduction.
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