The host of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil made a final, urgent plea for unity on Friday as the conference hurtled toward a dramatic conclusion. With deep divisions over the future of fossil fuels threatening to derail a deal, the summit’s president appealed for consensus while a new draft text completely omitted any reference to oil, gas, and coal.
What is the Core Conflict at the Summit?
The central rift revolves around whether the final agreement should explicitly set the world on a path away from fossil fuels. A draft text released by the Brazilian presidency contained no mention of them, dropping all options that had been in earlier versions. This move followed intense pressure, with scores of countries, including major oil and gas producers, rejecting the language. In stark opposition, around 80 governments had supported stronger wording, setting the stage for a final-hours showdown.
How Are Different Countries Reacting?
The deletion of fossil fuel language has drawn fierce criticism from climate-vulnerable and ambitious nations. Panama’s negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey, warned that failing to name the primary cause of the climate crisis would turn the talks into a “clown show,” calling it an act of denial. Conversely, oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia are reportedly leading the opposition against any text that outlines a roadmap away from fossil fuels. The European Union’s climate commissioner insisted that the shift to clean energy must be “real and in the text.”
What Else is in the Draft Deal?
Beyond the fossil fuel debate, the draft text includes other critical, and contentious, proposals. It calls for a global tripling of finance for climate adaptation by 2030. However, it does not specify if this money will come directly from wealthy nations, a key demand of poorer countries. The draft also calls for starting an official trade dialogue at future climate summits. This benefits China but may spark friction with the EU over its carbon border tax.
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Why is This Summit Particularly Crucial?
COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago emphasized that unity is vital, especially with the United States, under President Donald Trump, not sending an official delegation. He stated, “The world is watching,” framing the success of these talks as a test for the entire multilateral process of tackling climate change. With the summit’s official deadline fast approaching, negotiators are racing to find a compromise that can achieve consensus among nearly 200 countries.
