As COP30 climate talks near a critical juncture, negotiators on Tuesday faced pressure to ensure a future free from fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and natural gas. While the conference runs through Friday, Brazil’s presidency is urging early decisions on four issues not originally on the agenda. Meanwhile, dozens of nations are calling for a detailed global road map to phase out or transition away from fossil fuels.
Former Irish President and climate advocate Mary Robinson expressed unusual optimism, comparing the talks to the 2015 Paris Agreement. “I’m hoping for as good an outcome out of this difficult environment as possible. We can get it,” she said.
Wednesday a pivotal day
COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago set Wednesday as a deadline to resolve four previously excluded issues: strengthening countries’ climate plans, allocating $300 billion in pledged climate aid, addressing trade barriers related to climate, and improving transparency reporting. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to return to the talks Wednesday to engage with negotiators.
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Over 80 nations are focusing on reducing fossil fuel dependence. Colombia’s Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres emphasized, “We have to leave here with a call for a road map. There’s no other way.” UK climate official Ed Miliband said the issue has united the Global South and North, making it impossible to ignore.
The COP presidency’s draft on the fossil fuel road map has drawn mixed reactions, with fossil fuel-producing nations and others opposing additional obligations. Do Lago noted the existing consensus from 2023 could allow adoption without the usual near-unanimity required.
Negotiators have 21 draft options to consider, aiming to eliminate delays and prioritize urgent climate action, according to Greenpeace’s Jasper Inventor. Ministers also stressed the need to move from setting targets to executing them, with flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, said Netherlands Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans.
While observers caution that reaching full agreement by Wednesday may be ambitious, Brazil’s leadership has raised hopes for significant measures, including fossil fuel phaseout plans and increased funding for clean energy. “It is said you have to give to receive,” do Lago said.
Source: AP