Divisions at COP30 Deepen Over Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Roadmap
Negotiations at COP30 in Belém are facing a critical impasse as dozens of countries signal thay will oppose a final resolution unless it includes a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. the dispute highlights deep divisions between nations committed to ambitious climate action and those resistant to firm commitments on fossil fuel reduction.
The push for a roadmap began with proposals for a forum allowing all countries to participate in developing a transition plan. This approach would avoid mandatory deadlines, permitting each nation to determine its own policies and pathways. While the roadmap itself wouldn’t be finalized at this COP, the intention is for it to be fully articulated through continued work at future conferences, requiring at least a year or more of collaborative effort.
Over 80 countries have joined the initiative, formally announcing their plans at a press conference on November 18th. Though, this move has been met with resistance from a coalition of nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, and Bolivia, known as the “like-minded developing countries.”
Signatories to the letter advocating for the fossil fuel phase-out include Austria, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Marshall Islands, México, Monaco, the Netherlands, Panamá, Palau, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Vanuatu.
Colombia’s habitat minister, Irene Velez Torres, expressed concern over a draft text presented by the Presidency, stating, “The letter emerged after the Presidency presented a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ text that we believe is insufficient for the level of ambition and implementation this Cop must deliver -particularly regarding the need, clearly backed by science and by people around the world, for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels.” She emphasized that the success of COP30 should be judged on the quality of the outcome, warning that “Adopting a weak or empty text would signal a failure of climate multilateralism and a failure to future generations, who deserve a liveable planet.”
Catherine Abreu, director of the International Climate Politics Hub, highlighted four key areas for a triumphant outcome: funding for adaptation, improved climate finance quality and accountability, a focus on reducing emissions from fossil fuels and deforestation, and a commitment to a just transition. She questioned whether the Brazilian presidency would heed the demands of this growing coalition.
The talks, originally scheduled to conclude Friday evening, were delayed due to a fire at the venue – thankfully, no injuries were reported – and are now expected to continue into the weekend. Beyond the central dispute over fossil fuels, unresolved issues include addressing the inadequacy of current national climate plans to meet the 1.5°C target set by the 2015 Paris agreement, and securing sufficient financial resources for developing countries to adapt to the impacts of the climate crisis, alongside matters of trade and openness.
