The transition away from fossil fuels refers to the process of moving societies and economies from reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas, which are significant contributors to climate change through carbon dioxide emissions. As the global temperature has risen approximately 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, there are concerns that it may exceed 2.5°C, resulting in severe environmental consequences. Historically, fossil fuels have fueled economic growth for over two centuries, but advancements in renewable energy sources have opened new pathways for sustainable development.
The discussion surrounding fossil fuels at climate conferences has been contentious. Since the inception of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) more than 30 years ago, fossil fuel dependence has often been regarded as a critical issue. Nevertheless, countries rich in fossil fuels, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Russia, have dominated discussions, often sidelining direct discourse on fossil fuels in favor of more general discussions on greenhouse gas emissions.
At the COP28 conference in Dubai in 2023, nations reached a significant agreement to transition away from fossil fuels for the first time. This historic pledge was part of the “global stocktake” report, assessing progress towards the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals. The agreement’s acceptance surprised many, especially in light of the prevailing opposition from fossil fuel economies.
Current dynamics suggest that implementation of this transition remains challenging. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, are reportedly seeking to undermine the agreement’s commitments. At the upcoming COP30, the transition away from fossil fuels may not be formally on the agenda but is anticipated to be discussed in various forums. Efforts to establish a roadmap for this transition face obstacles, as significant disparities exist among nations regarding fossil fuel dependency. A proposed roadmap would likely not be binding initially and may require a coalition of willing nations to facilitate active discussions moving forward.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/16/can-cop30-begin-the-process-of-phasing-out-fossil-fuels