Brazilian President Calls For Fossil Fuel Phase Out, launches Biofuel Push at COP30 

At COP30 Leaders’ Summit, leaders rally behind ambitious targets from raising funds for forests to calls for fossil fuel phase-out 

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called on world leaders to establish a global roadmap to end fossil fuel dependence and honour international commitments to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. He said that it is essential for countries to leave Belém with NDCs aligned with the 1.5°C mission committed to in Dubai.

He also launched the Belém commitment to quadruple the use of sustainable fuels by 2035 and emphasised the need for debt-for-climate swaps to support developing nations. It was originally launched at the Pre-COP on October 14. 

Earlier this week, the Baku to Belém Roadmap released a plan for how to mobilise at least $1.3 trillion in climate finance by 2035. On day one of the Summit, Brazil launched its new Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), gaining over $5.5bn starting capital. The biggest contributions came from Norway, and Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest became the first philanthropic investor with a $10 million pledge.

Global Leaders and Experts Welcome the Move 

Many leaders across the world welcomed the move, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying that for Germany, the focus is on  innovation and technology to successfully tackle climate change. 

Indian ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, said that India is already five years ahead of schedule on its NDCs. Between 2005 and 2020, India has reduced emission intensity of GDP by 36%, and this trend continues. Meanwhile, India is now the third largest producer of renewables, with non-fossil fuel-based energy accounting for 50% of total installed capacity. 

Alejandra López, Director of Climate Diplomacy, Transforma, said, “Excellent signals from the Brazilian presidency with Lula referring to the phase-out of fossil fuels and supporting the launch of the TFFF, which addresses the main source of emissions in the world, the energy sector, and the main source in Latin America, which is deforestation. Other world leaders must follow Brazil’s lead to make COP30 a success.” 

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