COP30 draft text skips mention of fossil fuel use - The Hindu
At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, a newly released draft political agreement has sparked strong criticism because it completely omits any reference to fossil fuels or a roadmap to phase them out. Earlier versions had included language proposing a transition away from oil, gas, and coal—but pressure from fossil fuel–producing countries appears to have led to their removal. Over 80 nations had backed a just transition plan, but key parts were dropped. Several countries, including around 29 small island and European nations, have publicly rejected the text in its current form, calling the omission unacceptable. The weak draft contrasts sharply with mounting scientific and international pressure to phase out fossil fuels to meet climate goals. The debate at COP30 remains deeply split, fueled by competing economic and environmental priorities.
The Key points
- The COP30 draft agreement removes all mention of fossil fuels and any “phase-out roadmap.”
- More than 80 countries had previously backed a just transition plan to move away from fossil fuel dependence.
- Around 29 nations—including island states and European countries—have threatened to reject the draft because of this omission.
- The text was released after long negotiations and even a fire at the COP30 venue.
- Critics describe the draft as “shamefully weak,” arguing it fails to reflect the urgency of climate science.
- The draft acknowledges financial and technical barriers for developing countries in making a clean energy transition.
- It calls for tripling adaptation finance by 2030 compared to 2025, but leaves unclear how that money will be raised.
- Some oil-producing nations (like Saudi Arabia, India, China) are resisting a fossil fuel roadmap, citing economic and development concerns.
- The omission undercuts previous COP28 commitments, including the pledge to “transition away from fossil fuels.”
- Observers warn that without naming fossil fuels explicitly, the agreement sends a weak signal on global climate ambition.
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