Australia has joined nearly 90 countries in signing a declaration to transition away from fossil fuels, but experts say that the agreements reached at the UN COP30 summit have several gaps.
The Belem Declaration on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels declaration has committed countries to work collectively to transition away from fossil fuels, consistent with limiting the average global heating to 1.5°C.
The declaration clearly acknowledged that carbon dioxide emissions from continued fossil fuel production, licensing and subsidies are incompatible with the 1.5°C limit and recognised the need to “phase-out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies as soon as possible”.
The Australian Conservation Foundation welcomed Australia signing the Belem declaration, but noted the country did not rise to the occasion when it came to securing a strong formal agreement decision at COP30.
ACF’s climate and energy program manager, Gavan McFadzean said the declaration is a commitment to transition energy systems, but Australia now needs to lead by example.
“When leadership was needed in the final days to stand with Brazil to deliver strong language for a fossil fuel phase out as part of the formal COP30 decision, Australia sat on its hands.
“Signing the declaration alongside the formal negotiations is significant, but it’s disappointing Australia didn’t advocate publicly for a fossil fuel phase out in the formal COP30 decision. When countries needed to stand up for global climate ambition, Australia watched on as the decision was weakened,” McFadzean said.
Greenpeace Australia CEO David Ritter said COP30 failed to bring about significant global agreement on fossil fuels and deforestation, but signing the Belen agreement meant a “critical mass of nations” acknowledged the commitment to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Ritter said that with Australia’s climate change minister, Chris Bowen, being appointed as president of negotiations at the 2026 COP31 climate summit in Turkey, the country must “match its words with action”.
“Now is the hour. Australia must now commit to a clear plan and a timeline for the phase-out of fossil fuels, including exports. No more free passes or subsidies for the coal, oil and gas corporations driving climate damage,” Ritter said.
Climate Action Network International noted that the biggest failure at COP30 was the refusal of developed countries to agree to the provision of finance across all areas, including finance to urgently address the root cause of the climate crisis.
Denise Cauchi, CEO, Climate Action Network Australia, said: “To establish credibility leading COP31 negotiations, Australia must focus on keeping the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C goal alive. Australia must engage with Brazil’s fossil fuel phase out roadmap and lead wealthy fossil fuel producers to phase out coal, oil and gas first, and deliver climate finance enabling transition for all.”