Belém, Brazil: The COP30 climate summit, which was not attended by the biggest emitter the United States of America, wrapped up on Saturday as one of the most fractious gatherings in three decades, with delegates voicing fury over the absence of any fossil fuel mention in the final agreement. Hosted by Brazil under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the event exposed deepening rifts between fossil fuel producers like Saudi Arabia and advocates for rapid decarbonization, including the EU and over 80 nations pushing for coal, oil, and gas phase-out roadmaps.
Initial drafts hinted at vague transitions, but these were swiftly axed to preserve consensus, as COP President André Corrêa do Lago warned against forcing divisive issues. A Brazilian-style “mutirão” dialogue backfired, with Arab states boycotting talks. Brazil salvaged face by proposing informal roadmaps on deforestation and energy outside formal texts, earning applause but lacking binding force. “We make energy policy in our capitals, not yours,” a Saudi delegate rebuked EU pressure. The near-collapse underscored the COP’s eroding unity, leaving vulnerable nations frustrated.