COP30 launches numerous climate initiatives
COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, concluded over the weekend with significant outcomes for materials, minerals and mining.
Significant outcomes of negotiations included a tripling of adaption finance, the agreement of a Gender Action Plan and establishing a climate finance work programme.
However, no progress was made on language to transition away from fossil fuels, despite calls from a high number of countries.
The event was scheduled for the 10-21 November, but negotiations ran over, concluding on Saturday 22 November.
Materials, Minerals and Mining at COP30:
Issues relating to materials, minerals and mining were prevalent in events across the conference. For instance, COP3O saw the first ever circular economy themed day, held on November 11, which highlighted the role of circular practices in reducing emissions.
This included a high-level ministerial event on waste management, which saw the launch of the No Organic Waste (NOW!) to end organic and food waste with initial funding of US$30mln.
On 14 November, a ministerial dialogue was held on critical minerals for the energy transition, held jointly by the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Brazilian Centre for International Relations and the Global Clean Power Alliance.
There were also multiple events on the phase-out of coal as a fuel source, including a presidency event on accelerating the transition from coal to clean energy, attended by UK Minister for Climate, Katie White.
Finally, on 18 November a coalition of partners from the sustainable wood sector launched an acceleration plan on wood-based construction to promote climate mitigation and responsible forest management.
Negotiations:
Over the two weeks, consultations were convened on four key issues relating to implementation of the Paris Agreement. These were nationally determined contributions, developed countries finance obligations, trade and emissions transparency reporting.
Trade was among the most divisive issues, with some countries viewing unilateral measures, such as carbon-border adjustment mechanisms, as disadvantaging developing economies.
Another highly controversial topic was the transition away from fossil fuel. After a draft text was released on Tuesday 18 November, containing no reference to fossil fuels, over 20 ministers, including UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, held a press conference calling for a road map for phase-out.
More than 80 countries backed this demand for a ‘just, orderly and equitable’ transition away from fossil fuels. However, reference to fossil fuel did not make it into the final conference text, and it was agreed that roadmaps are to be developed outside of the formal UN system.
Finally, it was agreed that COP 31 will take place in Turkey with Australia acting as President of Negotiations.
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