Belem/Brazil: Brazil secured a compromise climate deal at COP30 on Saturday after two weeks of intense negotiations, offering fresh financial support for vulnerable nations while avoiding any direct mention of the fossil fuels that drive global warming. The outcome exposed deep divisions among countries and highlighted the challenges facing global climate cooperation ahead of next year’s summit.
The agreement was approved in overtime during a tense plenary session in the Amazon city of Belem. Brazil, leading the talks as COP30 presidency, sought to show unity and progress even as the United States, the world’s largest historical emitter, chose not to send an official delegation. The absence added to concerns about wavering global leadership at a critical time.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell acknowledged that the final text left many countries dissatisfied, particularly those pushing for stronger action on fossil fuels. Still, he praised delegates for reaching consensus in what he described as a year marked by denial, division, and mounting climate impacts. Stiell said that while the world is not winning the fight against global warming, nations are still engaged and pushing back.
Brazil’s COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago admitted the negotiations had been difficult. Several countries argued the deal did not go far enough in accelerating emission cuts or addressing fossil fuels.
#BREAKING: #COP30 ends without a deal to transition away from fossil fuels, halt deforestation, or secure a nature package.
Modest steps fall far short of what’s needed after a year above 1.5°C.
The work is more urgent than ever – and it must be delivered. pic.twitter.com/NpaFG6WN4j
— WWF (@WWF) November 22, 2025
Colombia, Panama, and Uruguay raised repeated objections, insisting that the agreement should reflect established science that identifies fossil fuels as the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
At one point, tensions escalated when Russia’s delegate criticised objecting nations, prompting strong reactions from Latin American countries, who said they were defending their people’s interests. After a brief suspension and consultations, Brazil pushed the deal through, confirming that the decisions as approved would stand.
Much of the controversy stemmed from disagreement over whether the text should include language on transitioning away from fossil fuels. With major oil producers opposing any reference, Brazil issued a separate side document on the issue rather than including it in the main accord. A similar compromise was reached on forest protection.
The agreement does contain significant financial commitments. It urges wealthy nations to at least triple adaptation funding by 2035 to help developing countries cope with rising seas, extreme heat, droughts, storms, and other climate impacts already being felt. However, experts and advisers warned that the provisions still fall short of the urgent needs faced by vulnerable regions.
The deal also launches a voluntary initiative to speed up climate action and begins a process to examine how global trade rules can better support climate goals.
