In the early hours of this morning a new outcome from the COP30 talks was published, though 29 countries have deemed it ‘weak’.
Following a fire and immediate evacuation, COP30 negotiations resumed yesterday afternoon which led to the presidency publishing several draft texts, including the main cover decision. However, the draft does not include plans for transitioning away from fossil fuels – an idea that has been backed by more than 80 countries and originally pledged at COP28.
Negotiations resumed yesterday afternoon following a fire and immediate evacuation, leading the presidency to release several draft texts, including the main cover decision. However, the draft does not include plans for transitioning away from fossil fuels – an initiative supported more than 80 countries and originally pledged at COP28.
In response, over 30 countries from small island states, Latin America and Europe sent a joint letter to the Brazilian COP presidency, expressing their ‘deep concern’. The letter read: ‘The legacy of the Presidency in making COP30 a milestone moment will depend on the quality – rather than the speed – of the outcome.’
It added: ‘A weak text would be remembered as a missed and regrettable opportunity and would undermine the credibility of the process, of the Presidency and of the [climate] regime itself.’
In previous years, Saudi Arabia and other oil-producing countries have resisted agreements that focus on phasing out fossil fuels. Reuters recently reported that one negotiator from a developing country said their government did not oppose a fossil fuel phase-out, but was concerned that the draft text failed to address other critical issues, including finance.
In a statement, Wopke Hoekstra, EU Climate Commissioner, said the draft is ‘no way close to the ambition we need on mitigation’ and added, ‘we are disappointed with the text currently on the table.’
Tracy Carty of Greenpeace, also criticised the draft for lacking roadmaps on deforestation and fossil fuels. She urged countries to reject it, saying it ‘might as well be blank as it does so little to bridge the 1.5C ambition gap or push countries to accelerate action.’
COP30 is due to end today (Friday 21st November), but talks could extend into the weekend if countries fail to reach consensus.
Photo: Shutterstock
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