The United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP30, concluded on Saturday in Belém, Brazil, with a significant agreement that notably excluded any reference to “fossil fuels.” This omission has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and human rights groups, who argue that the agreement fails to adequately address the climate crisis.
Advocates expressed concerns that the final decision of the Global Mutirão did not lay out clear steps for transitioning away from fossil fuels—namely oil, gas, and coal—or take decisive action to halt deforestation, both of which are critical contributors to the increasing global temperatures observed since the preindustrial era.
This year’s conference was distinguished by the absence of a formal delegation from the United States, a consequence of former President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Observers noted that even in the absence of the Trump administration, fossil fuel-producing nations had considerable influence over the negotiations, undermining more ambitious climate commitments. Additionally, a fire that erupted during the final days of the conference was viewed by many as emblematic of the rapid warming of the planet, yet it was not addressed in the final documentation.
COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago acknowledged the shortcomings of the negotiations, admitting that not all participants’ expectations were met. “We know some of you had greater ambitions for some of the issues at hand,” he stated, emphasizing the ongoing advocacy from youth and civil society for stronger climate action and pledging to deliver on this commitment during his presidency.
In response to concerns raised, Lago announced intentions to draft two new roadmaps: one aimed at halting and reversing deforestation, and another designed to facilitate a “just, orderly, and equitable” transition away from fossil fuels while mobilizing necessary resources.
Despite these criticisms, UN climate chief Simon Stiell pointed out what he regarded as notable progress at COP30, including strategies for accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement, efforts to triple adaptation financing, and commitments toward advancing a fair energy transition. Stiell highlighted the resolve of 194 nations to maintain their commitment to limiting temperature increases to 1.5°C, despite facing what he termed “turbulent geopolitical waters” fraught with polarization and climate denial.
Central to the conference’s outcomes was the Mutirão text, which amalgamated four contentious negotiation tracks—covering mitigation, finance, and trade barriers—into a single consensus agreement, along with the adoption of seventeen additional decisions. The final document asserted that the global shift toward low-emissions and climate-resilient development is “irreversible” and noted that while the Paris Agreement is producing results, it must “go further and faster.” Furthermore, it underscored the social and economic benefits of climate action, including job creation, improved energy access, and enhanced public health. Stiell noted that investments in renewable energy currently exceed those in fossil fuels by a ratio of two to one, calling this a “political and market signal that cannot be ignored.”
This article originally appeared on Maktoob Media.
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