In a significant breakthrough at the UN's major climate summit, countries have agreed on a draft deal designed to accelerate global climate action, following protracted negotiations that stretched into the weekend.
Key Agreements Reached in Belem
The meeting of world leaders in the Brazilian city of Belem yielded a provisional agreement on several critical fronts. According to the draft text, nations have committed to tripling the financial support given to developing countries. This substantial increase in funds is intended to help vulnerable nations better prepare for and withstand the devastating impacts of extreme weather events.
Furthermore, the draft deal includes a landmark agreement to begin reviewing related trade barriers, a move that could pave the way for greener global commerce. The annual United Nations conference, which brings together leaders, scientists, and negotiators from across the globe, was due to conclude on Friday 22 November 2025 at 6pm local time (9pm UK time), but intense discussions forced the session into overtime.
The Fossil Fuel Impasse
Despite the progress, the summit could not reach a consensus on every issue. The summit's president, Correa do Lago, confirmed that while "roadmaps" on fossil fuels and forests would be published separately, there was no unified agreement on these critical topics.
The primary standoff was between the European Union, which was pressing for strong language on transitioning away from fossil fuels, and the Arab Group of nations, which includes major oil exporter Saudi Arabia. This group opposed the prescriptive language, viewing it as a potential threat to their economies.
This push for a fossil fuel transition plan was led by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and backed by approximately 80 countries, including the UK and coal-rich Colombia. It sought to create a concrete plan for the pledge all countries made at COP28 two years prior, on which little progress had been made since.
Breakthrough After All-Night Talks
The deadlock was finally broken following all-night negotiations led by Brazil. The Brazilian presidency subsequently scheduled a closing plenary session to formalise the outcomes.
Wopke Hoekstra, the European Union's climate commissioner, commented on the proposed accord on Saturday, stating that while the bloc would have liked more ambitious terms, the deal was acceptable. "We should support it because at least it is going in the right direction," he said, acknowledging the incremental nature of the progress.
The outcome of COP30 highlights the continued challenges in unifying global economies on a path away from fossil fuels, even as financial support for climate resilience takes a major step forward.
