COP30 Draft Text Omits Fossil Fuels, Igniting Tensions in Brazil

The ongoing climate talks at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, have reached a critical point as a draft cover text released on November 21, 2025, failed to address the issue of fossil fuel usage. This omission has caused significant unrest among participating nations, particularly those advocating for stronger commitments to mitigate climate change.

The Conference of Parties (COP) typically culminates in a ‘cover text’, a consensus statement reflecting the collective resolution of signatory countries to the Paris Agreement. At the helm of this year’s discussions is Brazilian diplomat Andrei Lago, who faces increasing pressure from various nations regarding the text’s content. Over the past ten days, a growing divide has emerged between developed and developing countries, especially those reliant on fossil fuels.

Developing nations, including several petro-states, have resisted efforts to establish a timeline for phasing out fossil fuels from their economies. In contrast, developed countries argue that specifying such timelines is essential for keeping global temperature rises below the critical threshold of 1.5°C by the end of the century. They emphasize the need for both public and private financing to facilitate the transition away from fossil fuels and to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

“We are disappointed with the text currently on the table,” stated Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner for Climate. He underscored the necessity for ambitious climate action, particularly regarding mitigation efforts. Hoekstra further noted that any language surrounding financial commitments should align with the agreements reached in the previous year concerning the NCQG.

As discussions continue, a plenary session is scheduled for later on the same day, where nearly 80 countries are expected to express their concerns about the draft text. This session provides an opportunity for countries to publicly voice either their support or disappointment with the presidency’s proposed measures.

Arunabha Ghosh, Director General of the Council on Energy Environment and Water, stressed the importance of equity in climate action. “At COP30, the Global South is not asking for favours; it is asking for the basic foundations needed to deliver a fair and effective global climate response,” he remarked. Ghosh welcomed the proposed high-level ministerial roundtable aimed at reflecting on the implementation of the NCQG, while also highlighting the need for protections against climate-linked trade barriers for developing economies.

As the conference progresses, the stakes remain high, with the future of international climate policy hanging in the balance. The omission of fossil fuel commitments in the draft text raises critical questions about the direction of global efforts to combat climate change and the equitable distribution of responsibilities and resources among nations.