COP30 Climate Summit Concludes Without New Fossil Fuel Reduction Commitments
The COP30 UN climate summit in Belém, Brazil, concluded with an agreement that does not include direct reference to fossil fuels. This outcome followed disagreements regarding the pace of phasing out oil, coal, and gas. Over 80 countries, including the UK and EU, had advocated for stronger commitments to accelerate the reduction of fossil fuel usage. Conversely, oil-producing nations maintained their position on utilizing their fossil fuel resources for economic development. The summit took place amid concerns from the UN that global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels may be insufficient.
Reactions to the Agreement
Colombia's representative criticized the COP presidency for not permitting objections to the final deal during the Saturday plenary session. Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated his non-acceptance of the agreement. The final document, known as the MutirĂŁo, encourages nations to "voluntarily" accelerate climate action. Some countries expressed that the preservation of existing climate agreements was a positive aspect.
Notably, the United States did not send a delegation, following President Donald Trump's declaration that the country would withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement and his characterization of climate change as "a con."
Ruleta Thomas, Climate Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, described the financial commitments made to developing nations for climate adaptation as "a disappointment." However, she acknowledged the continued functionality of the process, stating, "We are happy that there is a process that continues to function [...] where every country can be heard."
Summit Operations and Incidents
The two-week negotiations extended beyond their scheduled duration by nearly 24 hours, involving overnight work by delegates. Operational challenges during the summit included:
- Water shortages in restrooms.
- Venue flooding due to thunderstorms.
- Difficult conditions in hot, humid rooms.
The nearly 50,000 registered delegates experienced two evacuations. Additionally, a group of approximately 150 protestors breached security, entering the venue with placards. A fire on Thursday caused damage to the roof and necessitated a six-hour evacuation.
Brazil's Role and Specific Criticisms
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva selected Belém as the host city to draw international attention to the Amazon rainforest and attract financial investment to the city. Despite its advocacy for a more ambitious fossil fuel agreement, Brazil faced criticism regarding its own plans to drill for oil at the mouth of the Amazon. Analysis shared by the campaign group Global Witness indicates that Brazil's offshore oil and gas production is projected to increase until the early 2030s.
Diverse Outcomes and Statements
India expressed approval of the deal, describing it as "meaningful." A coalition representing 39 small island and low-lying coastal states characterized the agreement as "imperfect" but a step toward "progress." Some developing nations secured promises of increased climate finance to support adaptation to climate change impacts.
The outcome was met with dissatisfaction by over 80 countries that advocated for stronger language regarding fossil fuels. UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband identified the meeting as a "step forward," though he stated a preference for "a more ambitious agreement." EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra similarly commented, "We're not going to hide the fact that we would have preferred to have more, to have more ambition on everything."