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The climate chief, the minister, has called on every country to show the courage needed to confront the imperative of a global fossil fuel phaseout, labeling the creation of a detailed plan as an “ethical” answer to the climate crisis.

She emphasized, however, that participation in this endeavor would be optional and “self-determined” for willing governments.

The topic remains one of the most debated matters at the UN climate summit in the host country, with nations divided over if and how such a roadmap can be discussed. Hosting the event, Brazil has adopted a balanced position on which items can be placed on the official schedule.

Silva voiced approval for the possibility of a roadmap, though not explicitly committing Brazil to it. The minister remarked: “In times we have a terrain that is quite grim, it is good that we have a guide. But the map does not force us to proceed, or to advance.”

Speaking further, the minister added: “The map is an response to our scientific understanding [of the climate emergency]. It is an ethical response.”

Dozens of countries meeting in the host city for the global climate conference, which is starting its next phase, are seeking to establish how a worldwide phaseout of oil, gas, and coal could work. These nations hope to advance a landmark agreement reached two years ago at a previous UN summit to “move away from fossil fuels.”

The commitment had no a timetable or details on how it could be achieved, and although it was adopted by all, several countries have since attempted to back away from the pledge. Attempts last year to expand on its real-world implications were stymied by resistance from oil-dependent nations at COP29.

Consequently, there was no mention of the shift away from carbon fuels in the outcome of COP29.

Because of this, the host has been wary of calls by certain countries to include the transition on the agenda for COP30. But the minister has worked hard in private to make sure the pledge could be discussed at the summit outside the official program.

She won over Brazil’s leader, who gave public reference three times to the need to “shift from dependence on fossil fuels” at the global leaders' meeting that preceded COP30, and at the opening of the summit.

“This is a matter that we understand at some point had to be raised, because it is the only way to address the problem from the source,” the minister said. “We recognise that it is not easy, and we must not sell unrealistic expectations. Raising the subject is brave, and I hope [to see] this bravery from everyone, from producers and consumers.”

The nation had not started the call for a phaseout, the minister clarified, because that had been initiated at COP28. Instead, it was allowing the discussions to occur in accordance with what certain countries desired. “We know these topics are sensitive. We will give the opportunity to discuss it,” the minister said.

Time is insufficient at the summit to draw up a detailed plan, a process Silva called could take several years because numerous countries confronted complex issues around dependence on carbon-based energy, or wanted to use the revenue from selling oil and gas to finance their economic growth.

“Brazil raises the subject, because Brazil is simultaneously a producing nation and consumer,” she said. “But the nation is different, because Brazil, if it chooses to, need not rely on fossil fuels. We have to recognise that there are certain nations that rely on fossil fuels in their economic systems and lack easy solutions, and some where fossil fuels are the basis of their economic structure.

“To be fair is to be just to all, but the essential, basic justice is to avoid being unjust to the Earth, because it is our home.”

Should the proposal receives enough backing, the summit could set up a forum in which the process of drawing up a roadmap to the transition could start.

This process would involve discussions with all signatory nations to the UN climate treaty and criteria for how the process would unfold, Silva said. “Once we have criteria, a management framework can be drawn up; once we have a plan, and create protections to be able to build confidence in the process, I believe that with these components we can turn positive concepts into actions that are clearer, and more concrete.”

There is no guarantee that a suggestion to begin drawing up a roadmap would win approval at the conference, although it does not require the formal consent of the conference, which operates by consensus and can be hijacked by particular groups. Climate analysts have suggested they think there could be backing for such a proposal from about 60 countries, but there are believed to be at least forty opposed. A total of one hundred ninety-five nations represented at the talks.

“Despite being the primary source of global warming, carbon-based energy are about the most contentious topic there is within the international climate talks, so to see a chunky coalition of countries openly supporting a route to achieving global phaseout is in itself pretty groundbreaking.”

“Put simply, there’s no route to a world where temperature rise remains below 1.5C in which nations cannot to discuss ending fossil fuel use.”

“We need this language for actual in this conversation. It’s highly illogical that we discuss all topics but that when fossil fuels are the actual challenge.”

Negotiations carried on on Saturday on several outstanding topics that have still not been incorporated into the official agenda: commerce, transparency, funding and how to address the gap between the emissions cuts countries have proposed and those needed to hold to the 1.5-degree temperature target.

A COP30 chair promised a “document” that would cover these issues, after consultations – which have been going on since Monday – were unresolved. The official urged nations to embrace the “mutirão” attitude, meaning one of collaboration and constructive dialogue.

Progress on additional substantive topics – such as adjustment to the impacts of the climate emergency, the just transition for those affected by the move to a low-carbon economic system and how to build governance capabilities in developing countries – proceeded constructively, the presidency reported.

Brazil’s lead representative stated the technical phase of the summit process was nearing the end, and the political stage – when government leaders who have the power to change their countries’ stances arrive – was starting.