Brazil offers road map to phase down fossil fuels, halt deforestation

NEW DELHI: With the upcoming UN climate conference (COP31) in Turkiye focusing on implementation of commitments made by countries to tackle climate change, the outgoing COP30 presidency, Brazil, launched two roadmaps offering practical approaches to transition away from fossil fuels and halt and reverse deforestation.

These roadmaps propose strategies for countries to address two major drivers of climate change: energy accounting for 75% and forest loss for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Building on the decision adopted at the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, these seek to advance climate action, strengthen international cooperation and mobilise investment, while supporting economic development, energy security and people's livelihoods. "This is the last delivery of the COP30 presidency," said Ana Toni, chief executive of the 2025 round of the UN climate talks.


At the 2025 climate conference in Belem, faced with demands to set out a plan to transition away from fossil fuels and to halt and reverse deforestation, COP30 president Andre Correa do Lago "volunteered" to prepare these roadmaps.

"The roadmaps reflect the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, not only between countries but also within them, recognising that the causes and consequences of the climate crisis and domestic wealth inequality are deeply interconnected," do Lago said. Speaking to ET, do Lago said the "heart of implementation is flexibility". Thus, these roadmaps are voluntary, non-prescriptive, and are not subject to negotiation.

Fossil fuel production needs to decline alongside demand, while low-emissions energy systems expand to maintain reliable and affordable energy. Reducing supply faster than demand can generate shortages and price volatility; maintaining production beyond future demand risks prolonging fossil fuel dependence and leaving investments underused.