The Brazilian presidency of the COP30 climate summit has revealed the first draft of a crucial decision text.
Dubbed the “Mutirão” decision, the draft outlines starkly different options on the key issues that have dominated talks in the humid Amazon city: the transition away from fossil fuels, providing climate finance and managing trade disputes.
Regarding the critical issue of fossil fuels, the text reveals a deep gap.
One option encourages countries to develop “just, orderly and equitable transition roadmaps” but stops short of endorsing a global phase-out plan backed by more than 80 nations.
A weaker alternative simply invites countries to share “success stories” about moving towards low-carbon solutions. Tina Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall Islands, called the current language “weak” and insisted it “must be strengthened.”
Financial negotiations are equally divisive.
The draft includes a proposal to triple adaptation financing for developing countries to $120 billion a year by 2030, a key demand of vulnerable countries.
However, developed countries are moving backwards, with alternative options that only recognize the need to “dramatically increase” funding without binding targets.
In a historic first for a UN climate text, trade also features prominently, reflecting China and India’s rejection of carbon border taxes.
Proposals range from establishing new dialogues to an annual UN summit on trade and climate.
By the time ministers reach final high-level negotiations, the options are clear. “Countries can support the stronger elements… or move in a weaker direction and dilute what they got from Belém,” said David Waskow of the World Resources Institute.
The success of the entire “Belém political package” now depends on overcoming these deep divisions before the conference concludes.
