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As COP30 nears its end, 82 countries are calling for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, but many nations’ actions still undercut their pledges. (Photo: iStock)
As COP30 nears its end, with only two days left before delegates head home, 82 countries are calling for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels.
While more countries have urged to transition away from oil, gas, and coal, petrostates argue for multiple pathways to reduce emissions instead of explicitly targeting fossil fuels. The position of neutral parties among the 195 signatories to the Paris Agreement will likely determine the final outcome.
Off COP30 agenda, fossil fuel phaseout gains traction
A pledge to transition away from fossil fuels was the central outcome of COP28 in Dubai in 2023. But soon after, several countries led by Saudi Arabia began working to weaken the resolution. Follow-up discussions at the climate talks in Baku last year also stalled. This year, the Brazilian hosts declined to include any reference to the transition away from fossil fuels on the official conference agenda.
Despite this, momentum toward phasing out fossil fuels continues to build. On Monday, South Korea announced it would join the Powering Past Coal Alliance, adding its name to more than 180 national and subnational governments, businesses, and organisations committed to moving from unabated coal generation to clean energy.
