In Belém, countries did not agree on roadmaps to transition away from fossil fuels and end deforestation in the formal text, but the Presidency announced them as initiatives for a group of countries to pursue.
Countries meeting at COP30 approved a set of modest actions, including a decision to implement a just transition mechanism.
In addition, outside of the formal negotiations, Brazil will lead a science-based international discussions on roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels and ending deforestation.
But given that this was the first climate summit since the world experienced a full year above 1.5°C – a stark reminder of the urgency we face – these advances are insufficient to drive the urgent, transformative action needed to avert devastating climate impacts and protect people and nature.
Despite the Brazilian presidency’s efforts and support from at least 86 countries, negotiators were unable to agree on any direct mention of the transition away from fossil fuels in formal texts. Likewise, while more than 90 countries backed an implementation plan to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, wider political will to secure this in Belém was lacking, even with the Amazon rainforest as the summit’s backdrop. In response, the COP Presidency announced Brazil would lead international discussions on roadmaps as presidential initiatives, to be reported to COP31 next year.
An important outcome of the COP is the decision to set up a just transition mechanism to foster international cooperation. The COP Preamble also mentions Indigenous Peoples, local communities and afro descendants, as well as oceans, forests and science.
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF Global Climate and Energy Lead and COP20 President said: “As COP30 ends, the reality is clear: bold titles and grand promises have not translated into meaningful action. The so-called ‘COP of Truth’ delivered neither a roadmap nor real solutions for the urgent challenges we face.
“Instead, we were taken for a ride on a carousel of illusions – distracted by colourful promises but left with a document that is weak and lacking in substance due to games played by the forces against climate ambition and implementation.
“Hope was offered but not delivered. The absence of a credible plan to address the climate crisis and the failure to recognise core drivers of the climate crisis, like fossil fuels, speaks volumes. These countries lack the political will to take bold action. They are letting down the people they serve, the science they know and the Paris commitments they made in 2015.
“Yet, the energy and commitment shown by so many in civil society, science, and frontline communities remind us that real change is still possible. We cannot afford more empty gestures. The world needs concrete, implementable action—now more than ever. Anything less is a disservice to people, nature, and future generations. But if we act with determination and unity, we can still turn the tide and keep hope alive for a safer, more resilient future for all.”
Fernanda de Carvalho, WWF Global Climate and Energy Policy Head, said: “COP30 delivered some positive news, particularly through the renewed Action Agenda and the innovations created for broader engagement, such as the Global Ethical Stocktake and other circles.
“The COP30 Presidency came to Belém with three aims: reinforcing multilateralism, connecting adaptation to people’s lives and accelerating implementation. We got a just transition mechanism that connects to the second aim, and this is important. But there are no significant advances on adaptation and that is a lifeline for the most vulnerable countries. Finance as an enabling condition was also absent in texts. To claim that multilateralism was reinforced we would need the roadmaps on transitioning away from fossil fuels and halting and reversing deforestation. The Presidency announced such roadmaps as presidential initiatives, which generates significant momentum. However, we can’t say that the direction of travel that was set by the global stocktake in 2023 has been met yet. It is a sombre celebration of 10 years of the Paris Agreement.”
Mauricio Voivodic, WWF-Brazil Executive Director said: “COP30 delivered important results beyond the official negotiation texts, and this must be considered. Climate action is not – and should not be – restricted to formal talks. The Presidency restructured the Action Agenda and mobilized 117 plans to accelerate large-scale solutions, engaging sectors across Brazil and around the world in a COP marked by the strong inclusion of social groups such as Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, aimed at financing the reduction of deforestation in tropical countries, was one of the highlights in Belém.
“This was likely the first COP in which fossil fuels and forests were at the center of the debate, which is also an important step forward. However, the Global Mutirão lacks ambition and more effective processes to end dependence on fossil fuels and to halt and reverse deforestation. These so-called roadmaps are critically important and should remain in the climate talks over the next year.”