Tensions ran high on the final day of the COP30 climate summit, as countries remained deeply divided over the future of fossil fuels and how fast the world should transition to clean energy.
Some nations, including many climate-vulnerable states, pushed hard for a clear commitment to phase out fossil fuels, warning that without decisive action, global warming will surpass safe limits.
But major oil- and gas-producing countries resisted, insisting that fossil fuels will continue to be part of the global energy mix for decades and arguing for technologies like carbon capture instead of an outright phase-out.
Negotiators struggled late into the night, with no full agreement on language regarding coal, oil, and gas. Observers say the split highlights how politically sensitive the energy transition remains, even as climate impacts worsen around the world.
The summit closed with partial progress, but key decisions on fossil fuels were left unresolved, pushing the debate into future climate talks.