A “roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels” is needed at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said on Friday, as negotiations in Belém entered their final phase.
“We want to have a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels,” the minister told broadcaster RTL/ntv.
Stronger, more credible emissions reduction targets are necessary in light of global warming forecasts, Schneider added.
COP30 is scheduled to end late on Friday, but many previous climate summits have been extended to secure a final agreement after last-ditch negotiations.
This year’s summit is likely to follow the pattern, especially after a fire interrupted proceedings for several hours on Thursday.
Germany, the European Union and dozens of other countries are insisting on a plan to phase out the use of coal, oil and gas, which are leading drivers of global warming.
However, this is being blocked by other countries, with a unanimous agreement necessary to produce a final document.
In a letter to the Brazilian presidency of the summit, Germany and dozens of signatories criticized the latest draft text, warning that “in its present form, the proposal does not meet the minimum conditions required for a credible COP outcome.”
“We cannot support an outcome that does not include a roadmap for implementing a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels,” the letter said, warning this would represent a “step backward.”
The signatories, including France, Kenya and several island nations threatened by rising sea levels, said “true leadership requires delivering a text that advances the global response to the climate crisis – not one that lowers expectations to accommodate the most reluctant.”
Schneider warned that the reduction targets “presented so far, especially by the major emitters, are not yet optimal.”
“They are not enough to steer us towards a 1.5 degree global warming target,” Schneider told radio station Bayern 2.
The minister also said he was committed to ensuring that the issue of CO2 pricing is included in the final document, so that more countries back the measure.
