The recent Cop30 climate summit ended without addressing fossil fuel phaseout, despite initial hopes. This outcome highlights the influence of fossil fuel interests on global climate policy.

The 30th Conference of the Parties (Cop30) ended with a disappointing outcome, as the decision text failed to mention fossil fuels, despite widespread calls for a phaseout. Initially, there was optimism, with many nations supporting a roadmap to reduce fossil fuel dependence. However, the influence of fossil fuel-rich nations like Russia and Saudi Arabia overshadowed these efforts. The U.S. was absent from negotiations, and conflicting statements from European leaders undermined the push for action. While the conference was deemed a failure, Colombia and the Netherlands, supported by 22 nations, plan to create a fossil fuel phaseout roadmap outside of Cop processes. This initiative could potentially lead to sanctions against nations that resist transitioning away from fossil fuels, but it requires strong leadership and public pressure to succeed.