All mention of fossil fuels has been removed from the draft agreement at the COP30 UN Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil, sparking criticism from countries pushing for stronger commitments to phase out oil, gas and coal.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, along with nations such as the UK, had sought a roadmap for reducing fossil fuel use. Earlier versions of the text outlined three possible pathways, but those provisions were deleted following resistance from oil-producing states. Negotiators say Saudi Arabia and several Arab countries are leading the pushback.
A group of countries, including the UK, issued a joint letter rejecting the new draft, saying they «cannot support an outcome» without a clear transition plan away from fossil fuels.
The revised text also softens language on deforestation, a sensitive issue given the summit’s location on the edge of the Amazon, drawing criticism from environmental groups. Funding commitments remain vague as well, with the draft calling for tripling climate finance by 2030 but failing to clarify whether richer nations must provide it.
The talks, already disrupted by protests and a fire at the venue, are entering their final days with major divisions still unresolved.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products in the construction materials sector to 25% next year and 35% by 2030, according to a presentation reviewed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
