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Brazil’s climate chief, the minister, has called on all nations to show the bravery needed to address the necessity of a worldwide transition away from fossil fuels, labeling the creation of a roadmap as an “moral” response to the global warming emergency.

The minister stressed, though, that participation in this endeavor would be optional and “independently decided” for willing governments.

The topic stands as one of the most debated subjects at the UN climate summit in Brazil, with nations divided over if and in what way such a strategy can be discussed. Hosting the event, the nation has adopted a carefully neutral stance on which items can be included on the formal schedule.

Silva expressed support for the potential of a roadmap, without directly pledging Brazil to it. She remarked: “When we have a situation that is very challenging, it is good that we have a map. But the map does not force us to proceed, or to climb.”

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

Scores of countries gathered in the host city for the global climate conference, which is entering its second week, are seeking to establish how a worldwide phaseout of oil, gas, and coal could be implemented. They hope to advance a historic agreement made two years ago at COP28 to “transition away from non-renewable energy sources.”

That commitment had no a schedule or specifics on how it could be achieved, and even though it was passed unanimously, several countries have later tried to disavow the pledge. Attempts last year to elaborate on its real-world implications were stymied by resistance from petrostates at another UN summit.

As a result, there was no reference of the shift away from carbon fuels in the outcome of that conference.

For these reasons, the host has been wary of demands by some countries to include the phaseout on the schedule for COP30. But the minister has strived behind the scenes to make sure the pledge could be discussed at the summit outside the formal agenda.

The minister convinced the nation's leader, and he gave mention repeatedly to the need to “move away from reliance on fossil fuels” at the summit of world leaders that came before COP30, and at the start of the event.

“The issue is a matter that we understand at a certain time had to be put forward, because it is the sole way to face the issue from the root,” Marina Silva said. “We recognise that it is challenging, and we must not sell false hopes. Raising the topic is courageous, and I hope [to see] this courage from all, from producing nations and using countries.”

Brazil had not started the call for a phaseout, the minister clarified, because that had been initiated at COP28. Rather, it was allowing the discussions to occur in accordance with what certain nations wished. “We understand these subjects are delicate. We will give the opportunity to talk about it,” the minister said.

Time is insufficient at COP30 to draw up a detailed plan, a process the minister said could take a number of years because many nations confronted complex issues around dependence on carbon-based energy, or wanted to use the revenue from exporting oil and gas to finance their economic growth.

“Brazil brings up the topic, because Brazil is simultaneously a producer and user,” she said. “But Brazil is unique, because it, if it chooses to, does not have to rely on non-renewables. We have to recognise that there are some that rely on fossil fuels in their economies and lack easy solutions, and others where oil and gas are the foundation of their economic structure.

“To be just is to be fair to all, but the essential, basic fairness is not being unfair to the planet, because it is our shared home.”

If the pledge receives enough backing, COP30 could set up a forum in which the process of drawing up a strategy to the transition could start.

This process would involve dialogue with all participating nations to the UN climate treaty and criteria for how the initiative would unfold, the minister explained. “Once we have criteria, a governance structure can be drawn up; once we have a plan, and establish safeguards to be able to build trust in the process, I am confident that with these elements we can turn good ideas into actions that are clearer, and more concrete.”

There is no guarantee that a suggestion to begin drawing up a roadmap would be accepted at the conference, although it may not need the official approval of the conference, which operates by consensus and can be disrupted by special interests. COP analysts have indicated they think there could be backing for such a proposal from about sixty countries, but there are thought to be at least forty against. A total of one hundred ninety-five nations participating at the negotiations.

“In spite of being the primary source of global warming, carbon-based energy are about the most contentious topic there is within the UN negotiations, so to see a sizable group of countries publicly supporting a path to realizing worldwide transition is in itself pretty groundbreaking.”

“Put simply, there’s no route to a planet where warming stays below 1.5 degrees in which nations aren’t able to talk about fossil fuel phaseout.”

“We need this language for real in this discussion. It’s quite stupid that we talk about everything but then when fossil fuels are the actual problem.”

Discussions continued on the weekend on several unresolved issues that have not yet been incorporated into the official agenda: trade, transparency, funding and how to tackle the gap between the emissions cuts nations have proposed and those required to hold to the 1.5C warming target.

The summit chair promised a “document” that would address these matters, after discussions – which have been going on since Monday – were unresolved. The official urged countries to embrace the “mutirão” attitude, meaning one of cooperation and constructive dialogue.

Work on other key topics – including adaptation to the impacts of the climate emergency, the just transition for those affected by the transition to a low-carbon economic system and how to strengthen governance capabilities in less developed nations – proceeded productively, the presidency said.

Brazil’s chief negotiator said the technical phase of the summit process was nearing the end, and the high-level stage – when ministers who have the power to alter their countries’ positions join – was starting.