URGENT UPDATE: 350.org has issued a critical warning following this morning’s release of the second draft decisions for COP30, claiming they fall drastically short of the ambition needed for a robust fossil fuel phaseout and adequate climate finance. Despite growing global momentum for decisive action, the draft still lacks a clear roadmap to end reliance on oil, gas, and coal.
In a statement, Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, emphasized the urgency: “Today’s draft COP30 decisions lack the giant leap required to close the climate ambition gap. We’re stagnating at a time when our islands can’t afford even a small delay.” He highlighted the absence of a fossil fuel transition plan and criticized the weakened commitment to triple adaptation finance, stating that communities already facing climate impacts desperately need this support.
The discussions are taking place in Belém, Brazil, where the urgency of climate action is palpable. Fenton Lutunatabua, 350.org Pacific Team Lead, echoed these concerns, noting the draft’s failure to address the root cause of the climate crisis: fossil fuels. “COP30 needs to ramp up finance and provide a clear plan to phase out fossil fuels. We’re walking a fine line between survival and climate catastrophe,” he asserted.
Notably, over 80 countries have publicly backed a Transition Away from Fossil Fuels Roadmap (TAFF). Yet, the draft’s mitigation section remains vague, relying on weak voluntary initiatives rather than concrete commitments to reduce oil, gas, and coal dependency. “Without a fossil fuel phaseout plan and real finance, we will continue adding fuel to the fire,” warned Sieber.
While the introduction of the Just Transition Mechanism is seen as a significant achievement, it lacks the necessary support structures to ensure equity and justice in climate action. The absence of a clear delivery plan for the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) and a weakened call to triple adaptation finance further exacerbates the situation, leaving vulnerable communities in peril.
350.org is calling on all parties to align with the global momentum for a just and equitable outcome at COP30. The organization stresses that a viable package must include comprehensive finance, adaptation strategies, and a clear fossil fuel transition roadmap. “Without all three, the deal cannot hold,” they warn.
As discussions continue, the stakes are higher than ever. The world watches and waits for a decisive commitment to climate justice and effective action against the climate crisis. With the clock ticking, the outcome of COP30 could determine the future of countless communities worldwide.
