COP30 Ends Without Fossil Fuel Deal Amid Deep Global Divisions

The COP30 climate summit in Belém concluded without agreement on a global roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. More than 80 nations pushed for a clear exit from oil, gas, and coal, but major producers including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran blocked the proposal.

Brazil’s President Lula called the outcome a win for multilateralism, while Colombia and the EU expressed disappointment.

The final declaration emphasizes voluntary climate action and plans to triple adaptation funding for developing nations by 2035.

The summit also saw record Indigenous participation, mass demonstrations, and a fire in the pavilion area that forced evacuations, though its cause remains unknown.##

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has revived his push for a global “roadmap” to phase out fossil fuels, bringing high political pressure to UN climate talks in Belém.

Lula arrived late in the summit to energize negotiations, after Brazil released a draft pact and urged delegates to work through the night in hopes of securing an agreement two days before COP30 is set to end.

Calling this the “COP of truth,” Lula insisted the world must begin planning life beyond oil, coal, and gas…while allowing each country to move at its own pace.

But deep divisions remain.

More than 80 nations support a fossil-fuel exit plan, opposed by major oil producers.
Developing countries are also demanding far more climate financing than the US$300 billion per year pledged at COP29…an amount they say falls far short of urgent needs.

The EU, facing economic strain, says it cannot increase adaptation funding and is resisting efforts by China and others to challenge its carbon border tax.

A new negotiating text is expected soon, with talks likely to stretch past Friday’s deadline.
Delegates housed on cruise ships have already been told to vacate by Saturday.