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Brazil’s climate chief, Marina Silva, has called on all nations to show the courage needed to confront the necessity of a worldwide fossil fuel phaseout, labeling the creation of a roadmap as an “ethical” answer to the global warming emergency.

The minister emphasized, however, that participation in this process would be optional and “self-determined” for willing nations.

This issue stands as one of the most debated subjects at the COP30 in Brazil, with countries split over if and how such a strategy can be discussed. Hosting the event, the nation has adopted a balanced stance on what can be included on the formal schedule.

The official expressed approval for the potential of a roadmap, though not directly committing the country to it. She stated: “When we have a terrain that is very challenging, it is good that we have a map. But the guide does not compel us to proceed, or to advance.”

In an interview, the minister noted: “The roadmap is an response to our scientific knowledge [of the climate emergency]. It is an moral response.”

Dozens of nations gathered in Belém for the UN climate summit, which is entering its next phase, are seeking to determine how a worldwide transition of oil, gas, and coal could work. They aim to advance a landmark resolution made two years ago at a previous UN summit to “transition away from fossil fuels.”

The commitment had no a schedule or details on the way it could be achieved, and although it was passed by all, some nations have since tried to back away from the pledge. Efforts last year to expand on its real-world implications were blocked by opposition from petrostates at COP29.

Consequently, there was no reference of the transition away from carbon fuels in the final agreement of that conference.

For these reasons, the host has been cautious of demands by certain nations to place the phaseout on the agenda for COP30. But Silva has worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the pledge could be talked about at the conference apart from the formal program.

The minister convinced Brazil’s leader, who gave public reference three times to the need to “shift from dependence on traditional energy” at the global leaders' meeting that came before the conference, and at the start of the summit.

“The issue 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 acknowledge that it is not easy, and we must not sell false hopes. Raising the subject is brave, and I wish [to see] this courage from everyone, from producing nations and using countries.”

Brazil had not initiated the call for a transition, she clarified, because that had been done at the earlier summit. Instead, it was allowing the talks to occur in line with what some countries desired. “We understand these subjects are delicate. We will give the chance to talk about it,” the minister added.

Time is insufficient at COP30 to draw up a detailed plan, a process the minister said could take a number of years because numerous countries confronted complicated issues around dependence on carbon-based energy, or aimed to use the proceeds from selling fossil fuels to fund their development.

“Brazil brings up the topic, because Brazil is simultaneously a producer and consumer,” the minister noted. “But Brazil is unique, because it, if it wants to, need not rely on non-renewables. We have to recognise that there are some that depend on fossil fuels in their economies and don’t have easy alternatives, and some where fossil fuels are the foundation of their economic structure.

“To be just is to be just to all, but the fundamental, basic justice is not being unfair to the planet, because it is our home.”

If the proposal gains sufficient support, COP30 could set up a platform in which the process of drawing up a roadmap to the phaseout could start.

This endeavor would require dialogue with all participating countries to the UN framework convention on climate change and criteria for how the initiative would unfold, the minister explained. “Once we have criteria, a governance structure can be drawn up; once we have a plan, and establish safeguards to be able to establish trust in the process, I believe that with these components we can transform positive concepts into actions that are clearer, and more concrete.”

It is uncertain that a proposal to begin developing a roadmap would win approval at the conference, although it does not require the formal consent of the summit, which operates by consensus and can be hijacked by special interests. Climate experts have indicated they believe there could be backing for such a idea from about 60 countries, but there are thought to be at least forty against. There are 195 nations participating at the negotiations.

“In spite of being the root cause of global warming, fossil fuels are about the most contentious topic there is within the UN negotiations, so to see a chunky group of countries openly backing a path to achieving global transition is in itself pretty groundbreaking.”

“Put simply, there’s no path to a world where warming remains below 1.5C in which countries cannot to talk about fossil fuel phaseout.”

“We require this wording for actual in this discussion. It’s highly illogical that we talk about all topics but that when fossil fuels are the actual problem.”

Discussions carried on on Saturday on several unresolved topics that have still not been incorporated into the formal schedule: trade, openness, finance and how to address the shortfall between the emissions cuts countries have planned and those required to hold to the 1.5C warming target.

The COP30 president promised a “note” that would address these matters, after discussions – which have been underway since Monday – were unresolved. He called on countries to adopt the “mutirão” spirit, meaning one of cooperation and constructive discussion.

Progress on other key topics – such as adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis, the just transition for those affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy and how to build governance capabilities in developing countries – proceeded productively, the host reported.

Brazil’s lead representative said the detailed part of the summit proceedings was approaching completion, and the political phase – when ministers who have the power to alter their countries’ positions join – was beginning.