The UN's COP30 climate summit in northern Brazil has overrun its scheduled finish, with countries locked in a tense stand-off over a crucial deal to transition the world away from fossil fuels.
A 'Nightmare' Process with Vital Outcomes
Speaking to Sky News from the Amazon city of Belem, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the negotiations as a 'nightmare' but conceded they are the 'best process we've got'. He explained that the talks are inherently difficult because they involve more than 190 countries negotiating the future of their economies and natural environments.
Despite the frustrations, Mr Miliband pointed to the tangible progress achieved through three decades of such climate diplomacy. He highlighted that these efforts have substantially lowered projections for future global warming and that approximately 80% of the global economy is now covered by a net-zero emissions target.
Key Sticking Points and a Showdown Looming
The core of the deadlock revolves around creating a concrete plan to 'transition away from fossil fuels', a pledge all nations agreed to at COP28 two years ago but have since done little to implement. A coalition led by host country Brazil, the UK, and coal-rich Colombia is pushing for a definitive 'roadmap' for this phase-out.
However, this push is facing strong resistance from scores of other nations, including major oil and gas producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia, who view the proposed measures as too prescriptive and a threat to their economic interests.
Other critical issues delaying an agreement include:
- Financial support for developing nations to adapt to climate impacts, such as the severe drought in Afghanistan.
- A fire that further disrupted the already delayed negotiations.
Overtime Negotiations and the Path Forward
The two-week conference was officially due to conclude at 6pm local time (9pm UK time) on Friday 21 November 2025. However, in a pattern familiar from previous COP summits, the talks are now expected to extend well into the weekend.
A draft version of the final deal, released by the Brazilian hosts on Friday morning, notably omitted previously discussed options for tackling oil and gas, signalling the depth of the disagreement. Mr Miliband stated the UK is 'determined' that COP30 results in a firm commitment to a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap, acknowledging that while there are different ways to achieve it, the transition must happen.
