The COP30 United Nations climate talks, currently underway in Belém, Brazil, have descended into a bitter dispute centered on fossil fuels, as the summit—originally scheduled to last two weeks—has now officially run over time. The core of the disagreement involves how forcefully the world’s nations should commit to reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, which remain the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change. This contentious issue has divided countries into opposing camps, complicating efforts to reach a consensus among the 194 participating parties, all of whom must agree to finalize any deal.
Inside the negotiating rooms, tensions are high. Observers report that discussions have become notably difficult, with one negotiator describing the atmosphere as one marked by “a lot of fighting.” The talks were slated to conclude at 6 p.m. local time (9 p.m. GMT), but the inability to reach an agreement on key points means the summit will now extend beyond its planned timeframe. This delay is further complicated by logistical challenges: many delegations are staying on cruise ships due to a shortage of accommodation in Belém, and these ships are set to depart soon, adding urgent pressure to conclude negotiations swiftly.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, along with countries like the United Kingdom, has been pushing for a stronger, more urgent commitment to phase out fossil fuels. This push builds on an agreement made two years ago at COP28 in Dubai, where nations collectively agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels.” However, while an initial draft at COP30 included three options with specific timeframes for fossil fuel reduction, the latest version of the draft agreement has completely omitted any mention of fossil fuels, signaling a step backward in ambition.
French Environment Minister Monique Barbut has attributed the deadlock to opposition from major oil-producing countries, naming Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia, along with a number of emerging economies that have joined them in resisting stronger language on fossil fuels. Barbut lamented that, as it stands, “we have nothing left” in terms of meaningful fossil fuel commitments. Attempts to reach these countries for comment on their position have so far been unsuccessful.
Outside the negotiation rooms, UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, acknowledged the difficulty and frustration of the talks but reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to keeping alive efforts to address fossil fuels. “It’s hard, it’s sweaty, it’s frustrating. There’s a big divergence of views,” Miliband told reporters. “We are determined that one way or another, this innovative idea, with the support of more than 80 countries to have a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels, is kept alive at this COP.” He reflected on the long-term significance of the decisions made at the summit, emphasizing the responsibility of the current generation to act decisively on climate change.
The fossil fuel debate is further complicated by the concerns of many developing countries. These nations have not supported stronger fossil fuel commitments without assurances that wealthier countries will fulfill their promises of climate finance — funding to help vulnerable countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and transition to cleaner energy. Aisha Moriana, head of Pakistan’s delegation, emphasized that her country is already taking significant steps to reduce emissions but urgently needs financial support to adapt to climate impacts. She expressed skepticism that new financial commitments could be secured quickly enough to influence the current negotiations: “That is something which cannot happen in a few hours, and it requires a lot of financing.”
This divide highlights the enduring challenge of balancing climate action with issues of equity and justice. Developing nations argue that without adequate financial support from richer countries, they cannot afford to phase out fossil fuels rapidly without jeopardizing their development goals. This dynamic has long been a source of tension in international climate negotiations.
Meanwhile, outside the formal talks, climate activists and campaigners have been vocal and visible, chanting slogans like “fossil fuels out” and displaying banners with messages such as “Stop Amazon oil” and “1.5C under threat: time to act.” Young activists, including Shurabe Mercado from Mexico’s International Youth Climate Movement, have voiced the urgency of the situation, stressing that their generation faces the greatest risks from climate change. “A good outcome could mean giving us a future and a present that it is worth fighting for,” Mercado told the BBC. “Our generation is most at risk and we are most at stake.”
The COP30 summit is a complex and delicate diplomatic