By Abdullahi Lukman
Brazil released a five-page “summary note” on Sunday capturing divergent country views on four unresolved COP30 issues—emissions ambition, data transparency, trade and climate finance—setting the stage for a possible political deal later this week.
The document, which has no negotiated status, consolidates proposals on boosting climate finance, strengthening emissions cuts and addressing trade measures linked to decarbonisation.
The COP30 presidency said Monday it will present a first draft to ministers on Tuesday, with the goal of approving a “Belém political package” mid-week.
Negotiations are expected to continue late into the night as Brazil attempts to front-load tough decisions to demonstrate that multilateral climate diplomacy remains effective.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell urged governments to confront the most contested issues early, warning against delays.
The summary note highlights themes the presidency wants embedded in a political outcome: COP30 as a “COP of Truth,” the vitality of multilateralism and a shift from Paris Agreement negotiation to implementation.
Options under consideration include an annual review of global progress toward COP28 goals such as tripling renewable energy, accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and halting deforestation.
Proposals also call for developed countries to incorporate finance into their climate plans and for nations with emissions-reduction ranges to aim for the upper limits.
On finance, countries are weighing a three-year work programme on providing climate finance or simply reaffirming the COP29 agreement while noting a new finance roadmap.
Discussions on climate-related trade measures include suggestions for annual dialogues or dedicated platforms.
Trade’s re-emergence at the centre of negotiations, observers say, could influence the final COP30 outcome, which Brazil may consolidate under a single “global action plan.”
south korea joins global coal phase-out coalition South Korea, operator of the world’s seventh-largest coal fleet, announced Monday it will retire 40 of its 62 coal plants by 2040 as it joins the Powering Past Coal Alliance.
The remaining plants will be phased out based on economic and environmental assessments. Korean officials said the country aims to lead in renewable energy growth despite its historically low clean-energy share.
India showcased progress on renewable capacity but avoided questions about its overdue 2035 emissions-reduction target.
Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav highlighted India’s rapid build-out of clean energy but did not clarify when its updated national climate plan would be released. Fossil fuels still provide more than two-thirds of India’s power, though coal generation dipped in early 2025.
methane cuts still possible despite projected rise
A UN report released at COP30 shows methane emissions are set to rise 5% by 2030 under current policies, despite the Global Methane Pledge signed at COP26. Full implementation of updated climate plans could reverse this trajectory, achieving an 8% drop.
Agriculture remains the largest methane source, followed by energy and waste. Experts urged rapid action, emphasising methane’s high short-term warming impact.
adaptation fund faces third year of major shortfall
COP30’s fundraising session for the UN Adaptation Fund yielded roughly $44 million in new pledges plus Germany’s €60 million contribution—far below the $300 million minimum target for 2025.
Campaigners warned the fund, which has more than $700 million in unfunded projects, is likely to miss its goal for the third consecutive year, undermining promised increases in global adaptation finance.
wealthy developing states face climate-fund backlash
Tensions resurfaced over access to the Green Climate Fund after several developed nations blocked a $15-million grant to Oman on grounds that it is a high-income country.
Developing nations condemned the move as discriminatory, with G77+China expressing “great concern” at donor attempts to restrict funds based on GDP per capita rather than vulnerability.
