In response to the second draft of COP30 decisions released today, 350.org has expressed concerns that the proposals do not adequately address the urgent need for a phaseout of fossil fuels and necessary climate finance. The organization argues that despite growing global momentum towards achieving a robust fossil fuel phaseout roadmap, the draft lacks the ambition needed to tackle climate and financial challenges effectively.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, stated, “This morning’s draft COP30 decisions fall far short of the giant leap needed to close the climate ambition gap. Crucially, they don’t offer a clear and robust plan to phase out fossil fuels.” He highlighted the significance of the Just Transition mechanism, which has the potential to facilitate real change, but emphasized that without a comprehensive plan to end reliance on oil, gas, and coal, the efforts will be insufficient.
Concerns Over Financial Commitments
The draft’s financial provisions have also drawn criticism, particularly regarding the commitment to triple adaptation support, which Sieber described as weakened. “We can’t achieve justice on the cheap,” he asserted, underlining the urgency for communities already grappling with climate impacts. He pointed out that delays would be detrimental, especially for vulnerable regions.
Fenton Lutunatabua, Pacific Team Lead at 350.org, added, “While the Just Transition mechanism is a notable achievement, the lack of a fossil fuel phaseout plan casts a shadow over our day here in Belém.” Lutunatabua called on COP30 to confront the root causes of the climate crisis and to enhance financial support for adaptation efforts. “We’re walking a fine line here between survival and climate catastrophe,” he stated, expressing hope for a final agreement that demonstrates a commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
Global Support and Required Actions
Despite over 80 countries supporting a Transition Away from Fossil Fuels Roadmap (TAFF), the draft’s mitigation section fails to mention fossil fuels. Instead, it leans on weak voluntary initiatives and vague, non-binding plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. There is a notable absence of a clear delivery plan for the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) and a lack of progress on innovative financing methods.
The draft also sees the omission of references to ending inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, which further diminishes its effectiveness. While the launch of the Just Transition Mechanism is considered a meaningful step, 350.org asserts that without a definitive fossil fuel phaseout plan and substantial financial backing, the world will continue to exacerbate the climate crisis.
In conclusion, 350.org urges participating countries to align their final COP30 outcomes with climate science and justice, emphasizing that a viable agreement must incorporate finance, adaptation, and a clear roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels. “Without all three, the deal cannot hold,” the organization stressed.
