COP30 Draft Agreement Update
During the COP30 UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, all references to fossil fuels have been removed from the current draft agreement. These negotiations are nearing their conclusion, with draft agreements typically undergoing multiple revisions requiring consensus from nearly 200 participating nations.
Stance on Fossil Fuels
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, alongside several other countries including the UK, advocate for the summit to secure commitments for increased action to reduce fossil fuel use. An earlier version of the text outlined three potential strategies for this reduction, but this language was subsequently excluded following objections from oil-producing countries.
International Reaction
A coalition of nations, including the United Kingdom, has issued a letter to formally reject the revised draft agreement. The letter stated, "We express deep concern regarding the current proposal under consideration for a take it or leave it," further adding, "We cannot support an outcome that does not include a roadmap for implementing a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels."
According to an individual familiar with the negotiations, Saudi Arabia and other Arab states are impeding the inclusion of fossil fuel provisions in the agreement. The BBC has sought comment from Saudi Arabia.
Nature of Negotiations
The diplomatic process involved in these meetings is complex, as countries seek to safeguard national interests while simultaneously addressing climate change objectives. Observers have expressed varied perspectives on the value of these negotiations, which are often intricate and frequently extend beyond their scheduled durations. Conversely, proponents highlight progress in climate change mitigation measures, such as advancements in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and nature conservation, which have been associated with previous COP agreements.
Climate Finance Discussions
Discussions at COP30 also encompass the subject of climate finance, specifically the discrepancy between promised funds from wealthier nations and the financial needs of developing countries disproportionately affected by climate change. The new draft agreement proposes global initiatives to triple the financing available to countries by 2030. However, the draft does not specify whether these funds should originate from wealthier nations or from alternative sources, such as the private sector. This ambiguity may not align with the expectations of developing nations, which advocate for increased support from wealthier countries and had previously voiced criticisms regarding the outcomes of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.