Brazil's Minister Calls for Boldness to Create Fossil Energy Phaseout Roadmap at UN Climate Summit

Brazil’s climate chief, Marina Silva, has called on all nations to show the bravery needed to confront the necessity of a global transition away from fossil fuels, describing the development of a detailed plan as an “ethical” answer to the global warming emergency.

The minister emphasized, however, that involvement in this process would be optional and “self-determined” for willing nations.

The topic stands as one of the most debated subjects at the COP30 in Brazil, with countries split over if and how such a roadmap can be addressed. As the host, Brazil has maintained a balanced position on what can be included on the official schedule.

Silva expressed approval for the possibility of a plan, though not directly pledging the country to it. The minister remarked: “In times we have a situation that is very challenging, it is helpful that we have a guide. But the map does not force us to proceed, or to advance.”

In an interview, she added: “The map is an response to our scientific knowledge [of the climate crisis]. It is an ethical response.”

Dozens of nations meeting in Belém for the global climate conference, which is entering its next phase, are seeking to determine how a worldwide transition of fossil fuels could be implemented. These nations aim to build on a landmark agreement made two years ago at COP28 to “transition away from fossil fuels.”

That pledge had no a timetable or details on how it could be realized, and although it was adopted unanimously, some nations have since tried to back away from the pledge. Efforts last year to elaborate on its real-world meaning were blocked by opposition from oil-dependent nations at COP29.

Consequently, there was no reference of the shift away from carbon fuels in the final agreement of that conference.

For these reasons, the host has been cautious of calls by certain nations to include the transition on the schedule for COP30. But Silva has strived behind the scenes to ensure the topic could be talked about at the conference outside the official agenda.

She convinced Brazil’s leader, and he made mention three times to the need to “move away from reliance on fossil fuels” at the global leaders' meeting that preceded the conference, and at the opening of the summit.

“This is something that we know at a certain time had to be raised, because it is the sole way to face the problem from the root,” the minister said. “We recognise that it is challenging, and we cannot sell unrealistic expectations. Raising the topic is brave, and I wish [to see] this bravery from all, from producing nations and consumers.”

The nation had not started the call for a transition, the minister clarified, because that had been initiated at COP28. Instead, it was enabling the talks to take place in line with what certain nations wished. “We understand these topics are sensitive. We will give the chance to discuss it,” she said.

Time is insufficient at the summit to create a detailed plan, a process the minister said could take several years because numerous countries faced complicated issues around reliance on fossil fuels, or aimed to use the revenue from selling oil and gas to finance their economic growth.

“Brazil brings up the topic, because Brazil is simultaneously a producer and consumer,” the minister said. “But Brazil is unique, because Brazil, if it wants to, does not have to rely on non-renewables. We have to understand that there are certain nations that depend on carbon energy in their economic systems and lack simple solutions, and others where fossil fuels are the foundation of their economy.

“To be fair is to be fair to all, but the fundamental, primordial justice is to avoid being unfair to the Earth, because it is our shared home.”

If the pledge receives enough support, the summit could establish a platform in which the process of creating a roadmap to the transition could begin.

The endeavor would involve dialogue with all signatory countries to the UN climate treaty and criteria for how the initiative would proceed, the minister explained. “Once we have criteria, a management framework can be drawn up; once we have a plan, and create protections to be able to establish confidence in the system, I am confident that with these elements we can transform positive concepts into steps that are clearer, and more concrete.”

It is uncertain that a suggestion to start drawing up a plan would be accepted at the conference, although it may not need the official consent of the conference, which operates by consensus and can be hijacked by special interests. Climate experts have indicated they believe there could be support for such a idea from about sixty countries, but there are thought to be at least forty against. A total of one hundred ninety-five nations represented at the talks.

“Despite being the root cause of global warming, fossil fuels are about the most contentious topic there is within the UN negotiations, so to see a chunky group of nations openly supporting a route to achieving global transition is in itself highly significant.”

“Put simply, there’s no route to a world where warming stays below 1.5C in which nations aren’t able to talk about fossil fuel phaseout.”

“We need this language for real in this conversation. It’s quite stupid that we discuss all topics but that when fossil fuels are the actual challenge.”

Discussions carried on on Saturday on four outstanding issues that have still not been included into the formal schedule: commerce, openness, funding and how to tackle the shortfall between the carbon reduction countries have planned and those required to hold to the 1.5C temperature limit.

The summit chair promised a “note” that would address these issues, after discussions – which have been underway since Monday – were inconclusive. The official called on countries to adopt the “mutirão” spirit, meaning one of cooperation and positive dialogue.

Work on other key topics – such as adjustment to the effects of the climate emergency, the fair shift for those affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy and how to build institutional capacity in less developed nations – carried on productively, the host reported.

Brazil’s lead representative said the technical part of the COP process was nearing completion, and the high-level stage – when ministers who have the authority to change their nations' positions join – was beginning.