Belém, 21 November – Reacting to the 21 November Mutirão text at COP30
Initial analysis of the latest Mutirão text shows some significant weaknesses. In particular, anything resembling a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels is completely missing. What could be seen as a response to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) gap is also very weak: it would only set up a process for the next Presidency to collate discussions and prepare a report for the next COP, with no clear process elements and no clear call to step up NDCs.
Sven Harmeling, Head of Climate at CAN Europe, said:
“We don’t yet see in the text what is needed to address the NDC gap, so negotiators cannot walk away from Belém with a decision as the text currently stands.”
It is impossible to recognise a justice package in the latest Mutirão text if there is no real progress on transitioning away from fossil fuels. It is critical that the COP sends a strong signal that this debate has now started, and that negotiations move forward on how the transition can actually happen. Negotiators are not at the end of the process yet, and there are many more hours ahead to strengthen the text.
Chiara Martinelli, Director at CAN Europe, added:
“Mitigation is currently one of the biggest weaknesses in the Mutirão text, alongside financial support. If there is no progress on mitigation, there is no progress on climate justice. There is no climate justice in a 2.5°C world – and stronger support from developed countries is critical to accelerate mitigation efforts.”
It will be critical for the EU to gather allies to push for more ambition on the NDC response and on the roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Many countries beyond the EU have called for this, and it is important to lift up those voices. At the same time, there is still a need for significant strengthening in adaptation finance. The Just Transition Mechanism is on a good track, but many elements are still missing. If the EU brings these elements together and joins forces with other progressive countries, it should still be possible to improve the final result.
Colombia declaration for transitioning away from fossil fuels
Outside the COP30 process, the launch of the Colombia Declaration showed that momentum for phasing out fossil fuels is growing. More than 80 countries now support a global shift away from oil, gas and coal, with Colombia and the Netherlands leading the way toward a 2026 conference on the just transition, announced in Belém.
James Trinder, International Climate Policy Coordinator at CAN Europe, said:
“It is encouraging to see so many countries, led by Colombia and the Netherlands, stepping up to build a global roadmap for phasing out oil, gas and coal in line with science and the legal obligations, as ruled by the International Court of Justice. The EU must now match this momentum and sign the declaration. Above all, the developed countries must now match that ambition on public finance, and move the money flows away from the fossil fuels destroying the planet to a just transition centred on creating opportunity for people worldwide.”
ENDS
