Nations clash at COP30 over fossil fuel roadmap as coalition pushes for phaseout plan against oil-producing countries’ resistance.
BELÉM: A major confrontation over fossil fuels is unfolding at the UN climate summit as dozens of countries push for accelerated phaseout plans against strong opposition from oil-producing nations.
The conflict emerged after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for concrete plans to overcome fossil fuel dependence in his opening address.
His unexpected political support has energized a coalition seeking to advance fossil fuel phaseout discussions at COP30 despite significant resistance.
France, Colombia, Germany and Kenya are leading diplomatic efforts to include fossil fuels in the overall negotiated package according to French delegation sources.
The coalition aims for a consensus decision by nearly 200 nations that would carry greater global weight than voluntary declarations.
“Our priority for the coming days is to broaden this coalition to speak to all countries that believe we need to move forward and accelerate on this issue” said the French source.
Supporters estimate 50 to 60 countries already back the effort with a target of reaching 100 supporters.
The initiative builds on the historic 2023 Dubai agreement to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems.
That marked the first time all nations at a climate summit explicitly mentioned moving away from fossil fuels as climate change drivers.
The proposed roadmap would require countries to submit specific progress details toward fossil fuel transition goals.
Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva endorsed the approach saying “I really like the roadmap idea because it lays the foundation for a fair and planned transition.”
Colombia is circulating the “Belem Declaration” supporting the fossil fuel transition roadmap call.
The South American nation will host a conference in April 2026 specifically focused on accelerating the phaseout.
Oil Change International’s Romain Ioualalen described the situation as “a diplomatic puzzle that’s taking shape.”
The challenge involves presenting COP30 host Brazil with a sufficiently large country bloc to force the issue onto the agenda.
Saudi Arabia leads opposition from oil-producing states with approximately 70 countries resisting any new fossil fuel decisions.
Russia’s chief negotiator Vladimir Uskov questioned the phaseout push asking “While people in cities like Belem do not even have access to food and electricity we cannot say we need to develop solar or wind but we don’t have the basics.”
OPEC has confirmed forecasts for increased global oil demand in 2025 and 2026.
Brazil faces contradictions having approved an oil exploration project at the Amazon River mouth days before hosting COP30. – AFP
