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Brazil’s environment minister, Marina Silva, has called on all nations to demonstrate the bravery needed to address the necessity of a worldwide fossil fuel phaseout, labeling the creation of a detailed plan as an “ethical” answer to the climate crisis.

She emphasized, however, that participation in this process would be voluntary and “self-determined” for willing governments.

This issue stands as one of the most debated matters at the COP30 in the host country, with countries split over if and how such a strategy can be discussed. As the host, Brazil has adopted a balanced position on what can be placed on the formal schedule.

The official voiced approval for the potential of a roadmap, though not explicitly pledging Brazil to it. She stated: “When we have a terrain that is very challenging, it is good that we have a guide. But the map does not compel us to proceed, or to climb.”

Speaking further, she noted: “The map is an answer to our scientific understanding [of the climate crisis]. It is an moral response.”

Dozens of nations gathered in Belém for the global climate conference, which is entering its second week, are aiming to determine how a worldwide phaseout of fossil fuels could work. These nations hope to build on a historic resolution made two years ago at COP28 to “move away from non-renewable energy sources.”

The commitment lacked a timetable or specifics on how it could be realized, and although it was passed unanimously, some countries have later attempted to back away from the pledge. Attempts last year to expand on its real-world implications were stymied by resistance from petrostates at COP29.

As a result, there was no reference of the transition away from carbon fuels in the outcome of COP29.

Because of this, the host has been wary of calls by certain countries to place the phaseout on the agenda for the current summit. But Silva has strived behind the scenes to make sure the topic could be talked about at the conference outside the formal agenda.

The minister convinced the nation's president, and he gave mention repeatedly to the need to “move away from dependence on traditional energy” at the summit of world leaders that came before the conference, and at the start of the summit.

“This is something that we know at some point had to be raised, because it is the only way to face the problem from the root,” the minister explained. “We recognise that it is not easy, and we cannot offer unrealistic expectations. Raising the subject is brave, and I wish [to see] this bravery from all, from producing nations and using countries.”

The nation had not started the call for a phaseout, she said, because that had been initiated at the earlier summit. Rather, it was allowing the discussions to occur in accordance with what certain nations wished. “We know these subjects are sensitive. We will give the chance to discuss it,” she added.

Time is insufficient at the summit to create a detailed plan, a task Silva said could take several years because numerous nations confronted complicated issues around dependence on fossil fuels, or wanted to use the proceeds from selling fossil fuels to fund their development.

“Brazil raises the subject, because it is simultaneously a producer and user,” the minister noted. “But Brazil is unique, because it, if it chooses to, need not depend on fossil fuels. We have to recognise that there are certain nations that rely on fossil fuels in their economies and lack simple solutions, and some where fossil fuels are the foundation of their economy.

“To be just is to be fair to all, but the fundamental, basic justice is to avoid being unfair to the Earth, because it is our home.”

Should the proposal gains sufficient backing, COP30 could establish a platform in which the process of drawing up a roadmap to the phaseout could begin.

The endeavor would require dialogue with every participating nations to the UN framework convention on climate change and criteria for how the initiative would unfold, the minister explained. “Once we have criteria, a management framework can be developed; once we have a strategy, and create protections to be able to build confidence in the system, I am confident that with these elements we can turn good ideas into steps that are clearer, and more tangible.”

It is uncertain that a proposal to begin developing a plan would win approval at COP30, even if it does not require the official approval of the conference, which proceeds by consensus and can be hijacked by particular groups. Climate analysts have suggested they believe there could be support for such a idea from about sixty countries, but there are thought to be at least 40 against. There are one hundred ninety-five countries participating at the negotiations.

“Despite being the root cause of climate change, carbon-based energy are about the most contentious subject there is within the international climate talks, so to see a chunky group of nations openly backing a route to achieving global phaseout is in itself highly significant.”

“Put simply, there’s no route to a world where warming remains below 1.5C in which nations cannot to discuss ending fossil fuel use.”

“We require this language for actual in this conversation. It’s highly illogical that we talk about everything but that when the main issue are the actual problem.”

Discussions carried on on Saturday on several unresolved issues that have still not been included into the formal schedule: trade, openness, finance and how to address the gap between the carbon reduction countries have proposed and those required to hold to the 1.5-degree temperature target.

A COP30 president promised a “document” that would address these matters, after consultations – which have been going on since the start of the week – were inconclusive. The official called on nations to embrace the “mutirão” attitude, meaning one of cooperation and positive dialogue.

Work on additional substantive issues – such as adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis, the fair shift for those affected by the transition to a low-carbon economic system and how to strengthen institutional capacity in less developed nations – carried on constructively, the host reported.

The host nation's chief negotiator said the detailed phase of the COP proceedings was approaching completion, and the political phase – when ministers who have the authority to change their nations' positions join – was starting.