Cop30 Reaches Agreement, But Falls Short of Landmark Fossil Fuel Pledge
Belém, Brazil – November 21, 2025 – A climate deal was reached at Cop30 in Belém today, concluding two weeks of fraught negotiations marked by a meaningful standoff over fossil fuels. While the agreement represents incremental progress, it notably stops short of a legally binding commitment to “transition away from fossil fuels,” a goal supported by over 80 countries.
The outcome follows warnings from scientists that failing to rapidly reduce reliance on fossil fuels will “push ecosystems past irreversible tipping points, expose billions to unliveable conditions, and amplify threats to peace and security.”
Negotiations were disrupted mid-conference by a fire near the delegation offices on Thursday afternoon, forcing an evacuation of the conference center. Upon resumption of talks, a clear division emerged: more than 80 nations advocated for a firm commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, but a coalition of countries, led by the Arab group including Saudi Arabia, staunchly opposed the measure.
this opposition ultimately relegated the “transition away from fossil fuels” to a voluntary commitment, rather than the legally binding decision many had hoped for.
“A lack of climate finance is throwing a spanner in the works of climate progress,” stated Teresa Anderson, global lead on climate justice at ActionAid International. “Global south countries, [which] are already carrying the costs of the climate crisis they have not caused, desperately need support from rich countries if they are to take on any more commitments.”
Carolina Pasquali, executive director of Greenpeace Brazil, echoed these concerns, noting the agreement’s shortcomings.”We must reflect on what was possible, and what is now missing: the roadmaps to end forest destruction, and fossil fuels, and an ongoing lack of finance. More than 80 countries supported a transition away from fossil fuels, but they were blocked from agreeing on this change by countries that refused to support this necessary and urgent step. More than 90 countries supported improved protection of forests. That too did not make it into the final agreement.”
Cop30 formally began on Monday, November 10, after initial high-level discussions. The agreement reached today represents a compromise amidst deep divisions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in securing ambitious global climate action.
