Sweden Criticizes COP30 Climate Agreement for Lack of Fossil Fuel Phase-Out and Insufficient Adaptation Funding

The COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, concluded with an agreement that disappointed many Swedish politicians and environmental groups due to its failure to include a concrete plan to phase out fossil fuels. Karin Lexén, secretary-general of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, described the absence of a clear fossil fuel reduction strategy as a serious setback, noting that current climate efforts are projected to lead to 2.5 to 3 degrees Celsius of warming—well beyond the Paris Agreement's target of 1.5 degrees.

Swedish Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari called the agreement "a disappointment" and characterized it as a step sideways rather than forward, highlighting the complexities of geopolitical resistance, particularly from oil-producing countries. EU Parliament member Emma Wiesner also expressed frustration over the lack of a clear pathway to fossil-free energy. The finalized agreement did commit to tripling funding for climate adaptation in developing countries, a move seen as positive but limited by a delayed funding target set for 2035.

The conference revealed deep divides, as efforts to close the emissions reduction gap fell short. While Brazil supports an initiative outside the UN framework to phase out fossil fuels, endorsed by around 90 nations, the lack of consensus within the UN process led to a weaker overall outcome. Environmental organization Naturskyddsföreningen criticized the vague commitments and insufficient financial support for adaptation, warning that the most vulnerable communities will suffer the most. A strategy to expedite emission reductions will be presented at COP31 next year.