Australia has signed the Belem Declaration to transition away from fossil fuels but failed to commit to securing a formal agreement decision at the UN climate summit COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
While no formal COP30 outcome was reached for fossil fuels or deforestation at the summit’s conclusion, the Brazilian Presidency has committed to delivering roadmaps for both by the next COP in a move applauded by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF).
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ACF’s climate and energy program manager Gavan McFadzean said the organisation welcomed the Albanese government’s decision to join dozens of countries to sign the Belem Declaration.
“The declaration is a commitment to transition energy systems and exports from fossil fuels to renewable energy in a just and equitable way, and for wealthy countries to assist developing countries to bypass fossil fuels and adopt renewable energy as their economies develop, and energy needs increase,” McFadzean said.
“But when leadership was needed in the final days to stand with Brazil to deliver strong language for a fossil fuel phase out as part of the formal COP30 decision, Australia sat on its hands.
“Signing the declaration alongside the formal negotiations is significant, but it’s disappointing Australia didn’t advocate publicly for a fossil fuel phase out in the formal COP30 decision… With a lead negotiation role secured for COP31, Australia needs to show stronger leadership than this.”
COP30 is the first climate summit to formally acknowledge that the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement will not be achieved. The University of Queensland Biosustainability Hub’s director Esteban Marcellin said this transparency prompted honest and constructive negotiations, resulting in a “more grounded and solutions-oriented summit”.
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“While the final language stopped short of calling for a complete phase out, the decision to accelerate the transition away from unabated fossil fuels is a meaningful step,” Prof Marcellin said.
“Overall, COP30 should be regarded as a constructive and forward-looking milestone. By acknowledging the limits of current progress while expanding the policy space for innovation, the summit created momentum for a more pragmatic and inclusive climate agenda.”
