FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 May 2025
350.org responds to lack of leadership and fossil fuels mention in COP30 Presidency’s second letter
Brazil, 8 May, 2025 – Today, COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago has issued a second letter to all governments involved in the UN climate negotiations. 350.org raises concerns from civil society about the proliferation of procedural frameworks without the political leadership needed to deliver ambitious outcomes in Belém.
This letter comes as ministers gathered in Copenhagen ahead of the COP30 summit, with UN climate change chief Simon Stiell warning we are on a trajectory to 3C above pre-industrial levels of global heating. The 6-page letter details various new consultation processes such as the “Circle of COP Presidents”, “Circle of Peoples,” and “Circle of Finance Ministers,” and “Global Ethical Stocktake” but does not yet provide a landing ground and vision of what these spaces are to achieve. Crucially, the letter lacks an outline on how to respond to the ambition cycle, namely the decision to transition away from fossil fuels and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 – In fact, fossil fuels are, like in the first letter, not mentioned.
In April, over 180 Indigenous, youth, and environmental organizations from across the world have signed on to the letter, coordinated by 350.org, to urgently demand that COP30 reaffirms the global commitment, and supports the implementation of a fair and equitable transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.
Ilan Zugman, 350.org Latin America and Caribbean Regional Director says:
“The Presidency holds the pen and the responsibility to ensure we don’t tiptoe around the hard choices. It’s the second letter from the COP30 presidency and although important frameworks are announced, it still lacks details on how climate action will be implemented. That includes detailing how COP30 will convene decision-making spaces and discussions on the roadmaps for fossil fuel phaseout and the just energy transition – Heads of States and government officials coming to Brazil should not just read speeches.”
Andreas Sieber, 350.org Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns says:
“The COP30 Presidency’s call for an unprecedented global mobilisation is timely and welcome. This moment demands bold political leadership, not just lyrical letters. But to earn its historic billing, COP30 must deliver a formal outcome that accelerates the energy transition and implements the Global Stocktake. Voluntary pledges under the Action Agenda won’t cut it. Whether through a mandated process like the UAE Dialogue or a sharp cover decision, COP30’s progress on the just energy transition is non-negotiable.”
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