• More than 80 countries called for COP30 to adopt a formal roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, according to The Guardian.
• Brazil’s COP30 presidency released a draft text on 18 November that mentions the possible adoption of such a roadmap.
• Africa still relies on fossil fuels for 75% of its electricity, while attracting only a marginal share of global renewable-energy investment.

COP28 introduced a major step forward by acknowledging the need to move away from fossil fuels in global energy systems. Two years later, COP30 now focuses on how to translate that ambition into concrete action.

More than 80 countries meeting in Belém, Brazil, have demanded that COP30 adopt a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, according to The Guardian. These governments argue that climate goals will remain out of reach as long as the world maintains its dependence on oil, gas and coal. The envoy from the Marshall Islands presented the call, which received support from countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the European Union.

The request aligns with an initiative from the Brazilian COP30 presidency, which on 18 November released a preliminary draft text mentioning the potential adoption of a fossil-fuel phase-out roadmap. Brazil will revise the draft after gathering feedback and consulting all negotiating groups.

The Guardian reports that any new language on phasing out fossil fuels will likely face strong resistance. Saudi Arabia appears prepared to lead the opposition, with possible backing from Russia, Bolivia and other major producers.

Supporters of the roadmap argue that the initiative does not impose a single pathway. They state that each country would progress according to its national circumstances while pursuing a shared goal. They also emphasize that the transition will remain out of reach without adequate financing and broader access to clean-energy technologies—two conditions they consider essential for implementation.

Africa illustrates the scale of the challenge. The continent still relied on fossil fuels for 75% of its electricity generation in 2023 and must meet fast-growing demand. At the same time, financing for renewable alternatives remains limited, as Africa continues to attract only a marginal share of global investment in clean energy.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum