UPDATE: The U.N. climate conference in Brazil concluded on November 22, 2025, without reaching a crucial agreement on phasing out fossil fuels, the primary driver of global warming. Despite calls from over 80 countries for a clear “roadmap” to transition away from coal, oil, and gas, the final deal delivered only modest progress on climate action.
The absence of the U.S. in negotiations raised concerns as negotiators struggled to formulate effective climate strategies. The conference president, André Correia do Lago of Brazil, acknowledged the frustration among nations seeking a more ambitious agreement. In a shocking turn, the formal agreement failed to mention fossil fuels at all, even as countries voiced the urgent need for deep and rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
Countries like Vanuatu, grappling with rising sea levels, expressed disappointment. The climate change minister, Ralph Regenvanu, highlighted the necessity of the new conference process initiated by two dozen nations to focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The conference highlighted the pressing challenge of financing climate adaptation. Wealthier nations are urged to provide $300 billion annually to developing countries by 2035—a significant increase from previous commitments. This financial support is crucial for nations that bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing little to the pollution crisis.
The urgency is palpable; scientists warn that to stay close to the 1.5 degrees Celsius target set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, nations must cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035. The failure to establish a clear path towards reducing fossil fuel reliance leaves the world at greater risk of catastrophic climate change.
With ongoing discussions, all eyes will now turn to the new conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, aimed at addressing the fossil fuel phase-out. As Colombia’s Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres stated, the initiative marks a critical step towards acknowledging the necessity of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The implications of this conference are profound, as developing nations face an uphill battle against climate change without the necessary financial and structural support. The calls for action are louder than ever—will global leaders rise to the occasion, or will the momentum for change stall at this critical juncture?
As the world watches, the urgent need for decisive action on climate change remains paramount. The question now is: what will be the next steps towards achieving meaningful progress?
