COP30 Summit Omits Fossil Fuels from Key Climate Deal Draft

Sun Nov 30 2025 23:47:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant turn of events at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, references to fossil fuels have been removed from the draft agreement as negotiations reach a crucial stage, raising concerns among some countries about the implications for future climate action.

As COP30 progresses, the draft deal has removed all mentions of fossil fuels, a major source of climate change. Brazil's President and others advocate for immediate action against fossil fuel use, while oil-producing nations have resisted these calls. A group of concerned countries has expressed disapproval of the current proposal, highlighting the complexity and ongoing challenges faced at the summit.

All mention of fossil fuels, by far the largest contributor to climate change, has been dropped from the draft deal under negotiation as the COP30 UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil enter their final stretch.

Draft agreements at the meeting of nearly 200 countries usually go through multiple revisions as all parties must agree in order for a deal to pass.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and some countries, including the UK, want the summit to commit countries to stronger, faster action to reduce their use of fossil fuels.

An earlier text included three possible routes to achieve this, but that language has now been dropped after opposition from oil-producing nations.

A group of countries, including the UK, have published a letter rejecting the new draft deal, expressing deep concern over its current proposal.

We cannot support an outcome that does not include a roadmap for implementing a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, the letter states.

A source close to the negotiations indicated that Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations are blocking the fossil fuel deal. The BBC has approached Saudi Arabia for comment.

Dropping the language is likely to be a negotiating tactic to raise the temperature at the talks and force countries to come to an agreement.

The meeting is a fraught and delicate diplomatic process as countries jostle to protect their national interests, while also attempting to address the issue of climate change.

Some observers question the value of the complex, legalistic talks which almost always overrun. However, others point to significant advancements in combating climate change linked to COP agreements, including renewable energy and protection of nature.

Other issues discussed at COP include the gap in climate finance promised by richer nations to developing nations most impacted by climate change. The new draft called for global efforts to triple financing available to countries by 2030.

Deforestation remains a contentious issue at the meeting, which takes place on the edge of the Brazilian Amazon. The new draft also weakened language surrounding this critical issue.

Kelly Dent, Director of External Engagement for World Animal Protection, lamented, For a COP hosted in the Amazon, it's shattering that deforestation is taking a back seat.

The two-week meeting has already seen notable disruptions, including a protest last week and a fire that caused evacuations and injuries.

The summit has been noted for its inclusion of a significant number of delegates from indigenous groups.