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Germany Demands Clear Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuels as COP30 Nears Finish

Germany has called on COP30 negotiators in Belém to agree a clear "roadmap" to phase out coal, oil and gas, arguing that current pledges — especially from major emitters — are inadequate to meet the 1.5°C target. Germany and dozens of co-signatories have criticized the latest draft text as insufficient and are demanding stronger, just and equitable commitments. The minister also urged inclusion of carbon pricing in the final agreement. Consensus is required for a final text, and last-minute negotiations are expected.

10:27 PM, 11/21/2025Environment
Germany Demands Clear Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuels as COP30 Nears Finish

German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider urged negotiators at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, to adopt a clear "roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels" as talks entered their closing stage. With the summit running into its final hours, Germany is pressing for stronger, more credible emissions-reduction commitments to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach.

What Germany is calling for

Germany, together with the European Union and dozens of other countries, is pushing for a concrete timetable to end the use of coal, oil and gas — the main drivers of global warming. The minister stressed that current pledges, particularly from major emitters, fall short of what is needed to steer the globe toward the 1.5°C target.

"We want to have a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels," said Environment Minister Carsten Schneider. He added that the reduction targets presented so far are not sufficient.

In a letter to the summit presidency, Germany and a number of co-signatories criticized the latest draft text, saying it "does not meet the minimum conditions required for a credible COP outcome." The letter warned that accepting the draft as it stands would be a "step backward" and insisted that any final outcome must include a plan for a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.

Signatories of the letter include a mix of major and vulnerable countries — among them France, Kenya and several low-lying island states threatened by sea level rise — which argued that "true leadership requires delivering a text that advances the global response to the climate crisis, not one that lowers expectations to accommodate the most reluctant."

Negotiators face additional pressure because COP30 requires consensus to produce a final text, and some delegations are blocking stronger language. The summit also experienced an interruption earlier this week after a fire paused proceedings for several hours, increasing the likelihood of last-minute extensions.

Schneider said he is also committed to ensuring the final document addresses carbon pricing to broaden international support for effective emissions reduction measures. Delegates now must bridge differences if they hope to deliver a meaningful and actionable outcome before the conference closes.

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