Political

Published on Jul 1, 2026 2:51 PM

From fossil fuel dependence to forest priorities

COP30 provided a forum for Parties to discuss the future of fossil fuels under the UNFCCC framework. While positions differed and no consensus outcome was reached, the Presidency launched a process to support continued international engagement and announced the preparation of the COP30 Presidency Roadmap for Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in a Just, Orderly, and Equitable Manner, Accelerating Action in This Critical Decade, so as to Achieve Net Zero by 2050 in Keeping with the Science, as referenced in paragraph 28(d) of the first Global Stocktake.

Forests were also a key topic across negotiations and related discussions. The role of reducing deforestation was considered in connection with broader climate objectives, including resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The COP30 Presidency announced its commitment to develop a Roadmap for Halting and Reversing Deforestation and Forest Degradation by 2030. Together with the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) and other initiatives, this roadmap embodies a decisive shift toward valuing forests as essential climate solutions. These elements contribute to continued consideration by Parties in implementing the Global Stocktake, including approaches to forest protection aligned with national circumstances.

Climate finance: advancing coordination

COP30, together with the COP29 Presidency, supported progress on the Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T, under the Baku Finance Goal mandate. The Roadmap provides a framework to support the scaling and coherence of climate finance efforts.

It is organized around five areas—Replenishing, Rebalancing, Rechanneling, Revamping, and Reshaping—aimed at improving coordination between public and private finance, strengthening financial systems, and supporting access to climate finance for developing countries.

The Roadmap is an ongoing process intended to support implementation of the Paris Agreement’s financial objectives.

Participation and inclusion

COP30 highlighted the importance of inclusive climate action, including the participation of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant communities, women, youth, and local communities.

It also recognized the role of non-Party stakeholders, including cities, the private sector, and civil society, in supporting implementation of climate action.

Belém Climate Summit: key messages

The Belém Climate Summit, held ahead of COP30, brought together Heads of State and Government and highlighted priorities including:

accelerating the energy transition;
addressing gaps in ambition, finance, and implementation;
strengthening links between climate action, social inclusion, and human rights;
reducing inequalities in access to climate solutions.

A political declaration, the Call of Belém for Climate, was issued, emphasizing international cooperation and highlighting gaps in current implementation pathways, including finance, technology, and capacity-building.

Forest finance: Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)

The TFFF is an initiative aimed at supporting long-term financing for forest conservation and sustainable use in tropical developing countries. It operates through blended finance and links financial support to conservation outcomes.

By COP30, several countries and entities had indicated support or contributions to the initiative, reflecting continued interest in new approaches to forest finance.

Integrated fire management

COP30 discussions also addressed increasing wildfire risks linked to climate change and land-use change. A Call to Action on Integrated Fire Management was supported by multiple countries and organizations, focusing on prevention, science-based approaches, Indigenous knowledge, and community participation.

The Belém Declaration on Hunger, Poverty, and Human-Centered Climate Action highlighted the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations and the importance of strengthening social protection, food systems resilience, and adaptation measures.

The Belém Declaration on Fighting Environmental Racism addressed environmental inequality and discrimination, emphasizing structural inequalities and the importance of human-rights-based approaches in climate policy.

Climate and trade

COP30 discussions also included an Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT), focusing on policy coherence, transparency, and the impacts of climate-related trade measures on development pathways and supply chains.

The Belém Climate Summit helped frame key themes that informed COP30 discussions and reflects ongoing efforts under the UNFCCC to connect climate action with implementation, equity, and sustainable development priorities.

Acesse Read the official documents related to the Belém Climate Summit.