COP30, the annual United Nations climate conference, concluded in Belem with a deal that urges global efforts to address rising temperatures, even as it stops short of committing the world to a phase-out of fossil fuels. After two weeks of intense negotiations, COP30 delivered a deal that pushes countries to significantly accelerate climate action, but the absence of any explicit reference to phasing out coal, oil, and gas has left many leaders and climate advocates disappointed.
What was decided at COP30:
Finance at scale: Mobilise $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate action.
Adaptation boost: Double adaptation finance by 2025 and triple by 2035.
Loss and damage fund: Operationalisation and replenishment cycles confirmed.
New initiatives: Launch of the Global Implementation Accelerator and Belém Mission to 1.5°C to drive ambition and implementation.
Climate disinformation: Commitment to promote information integrity and counter false narratives.
The outcome of COP30 reflects the familiar tensions of climate diplomacy. While more than 80 countries had demanded a clear roadmap to reduce fossil fuel dependence, resistance from major oil and gas producers prevented consensus. The final text also calls on developed countries to triple financial support for developing nations to strengthen climate adaptation by 2035, making climate finance one of the clearest commitments in the package.
Here is a detailed look at the global reaction to the COP30 outcome.
Global Wind Energy Council: Renewables Momentum Is Unstoppable
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) applauded COP30 for acknowledging record growth in renewable deployment and investment. CEO Ben Backwell highlighted that while the “Mutirao” statement did not set a formal fossil fuel phase-out roadmap, the real-world shift toward clean energy is accelerating.
GWEC welcomed the recognition of wind energy’s socioeconomic benefits and the focus on practical solutions to speed up renewable project deployment. The organisation also praised the inclusion of “Information Integrity” on the agenda, calling it a crucial step in combating disinformation that obstructs climate progress. Backwell stressed that the future of energy is renewable and urged nations to prevent petro-states from blocking global ambition.
COP30 Presidency: Calls for Roadmaps on Deforestation and Fossil Transition
COP30 President Andre Aranha Correa do Lago acknowledged the mixed reactions, noting that civil society and several nations had hoped for more ambitious language. He reaffirmed his intention to deliver progress during his presidency, highlighting Brazil’s pledge to create two roadmaps: one on halting and reversing deforestation and another on transitioning away from fossil fuels in a fair and orderly manner.
He stressed that humanity needs clear strategies to overcome fossil dependence and restore ecosystems if it intends to stay within safe climate limits.
UN Secretary-General: Progress, But Still Not Enough
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described COP30 as a summit of “progress” but warned that the agreement still falls short of what science demands. He noted that the world is on track to surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement and emphasised the urgency of accelerating climate action to avoid irreversible tipping points.
Guterres acknowledged widespread disappointment, especially among youth, Indigenous communities, and populations already suffering climate impacts. He urged nations to close the gap between commitments and real-world action.
European Union: Imperfect but Meaningful
EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra accepted that the deal lacked the stronger ambition many had sought, especially regarding fossil fuels. Still, he characterised the agreement as a significant step toward global climate progress, even if imperfect.
Colombia: Sharp Critique of Fossil Fuel Omission
Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued one of the strongest criticisms of the COP30 declaration. He argued that the failure to name fossil fuels as the primary cause of the climate crisis undermines the integrity of the agreement. Petro reiterated that Colombia cannot support a declaration that avoids stating established scientific facts regarding the need to abandon oil, coal, and natural gas.
Cuba: Shortfalls Acknowledged, Multilateralism Strengthened
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said the final outcome did not meet expectations but reinforced the value of multilateral cooperation. He emphasised the deal’s provisions on climate finance, including the call for developed countries to triple adaptation funding and support just transitions in developing nations.
China: Satisfaction With Consensus Amid Difficult Talks
China’s climate delegation expressed satisfaction with the overall outcome, pointing to the cooperative spirit that allowed nations to reach consensus despite deep divides. China highlighted the agreement as a sign that global unity on climate action remains possible.
Small Island States: Imperfect Compromise, Yet a Step Forward
Representing some of the most climate-vulnerable countries, the Alliance of Small Island States said the agreement was “imperfect” but recognised it as part of the broader process of multilateral dialogue. The group reiterated that while the deal falls short of their survival needs, it does include movements toward meaningful progress.
Amnesty International: Inclusion Improved, But Gaps Remain
Amnesty International welcomed Brazil’s efforts to broaden participation but criticised the lack of transparency in key decision-making moments. Climate justice adviser Ann Harrison emphasised that stronger inclusion of civil society and Indigenous Peoples remains essential. She noted, however, that the commitment to develop a Just Transition mechanism represents a positive shift toward protecting the rights of workers and affected communities.
Oxfam: A Spark of Hope, Yet Much Heartbreak
Oxfam Brasil said COP30 provided limited hope but largely fell short of ensuring a livable future. Executive director Viviana Santiago argued that wealthy nations must move fastest in transitioning away from fossil fuels and must deliver grants rather than loans to ease the burden on already indebted countries. She welcomed the proposed Belem Action Mechanism for its focus on justice and worker rights, but warned that insufficient financing risks stalling the energy transition.
A Deal That Moves Forward, But Leaves Big Questions Unanswered
The COP30 agreement underscores a familiar reality: global climate negotiations are advancing, but too slowly to match the urgency of the crisis. The commitments on finance, just transition, and adaptation signal movement in the right direction, yet the lack of a fossil fuel phase-out remains a critical omission.
Baburajan Kizhakedath