London, November 23, 2025
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has urged negotiators at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil to adopt innovative and flexible solutions to advance a global roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, emphasizing the urgency required to meet the 1.5°C climate target and responding to demands from over 80 countries for stronger action.
Miliband’s Appeal at COP30
Addressing stalled negotiations at COP30, Ed Miliband called for “creative” approaches that move beyond the weak draft proposals currently on the table. His intervention underscores a global coalition of nations from both the Global North and South demanding that fossil fuel phase-out be a central and non-negotiable outcome of the summit.
Urgency Amid Global Pressure
Miliband stressed that fossil fuel transition “cannot be swept under the carpet,” highlighting the critical need to accelerate climate action to stay aligned with internationally agreed temperature goals. More than 80 countries, including representatives from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific, and Europe, are unified in this demand, seeking a just and equitable transition that addresses the vulnerabilities of less developed nations.
Criticism of COP30 Draft Text
The current draft text released by the Brazilian presidency treats the fossil fuel phase-out roadmap as an optional measure rather than a firm commitment. This perceived dilution has drawn widespread criticism from countries and climate activists alike, who argue that it falls significantly short of the ambition necessary to close the climate ambition gap.
Legacy of COP28 and Implementation Challenges
Miliband’s call builds on the landmark COP28 agreement, which formally initiated a global transition away from fossil fuels. However, efforts to implement this agreement have lagged, raising concerns about the feasibility of meeting climate targets without stronger, actionable measures and flexible negotiation tactics at COP30.
Broad International Support for Just Transition
The momentum at COP30 reflects growing international recognition of the socio-economic complexities involved in fossil fuel phase-out. Countries emphasize that transitions must be just, equitable, and inclusive, ensuring that vulnerable communities are supported throughout the process.
Bridging the Climate Ambition Gap
The current international proposals are widely viewed as inadequate to meet the scale of emission reductions required. Miliband’s exhortation for creative solutions aims to preserve the roadmap’s integrity and effectiveness, preventing further delay or dilution that could jeopardize progress toward global climate goals.
As COP30 continues, the pressure is mounting on negotiators to transform broad consensus into concrete, ambitious policies. The summit represents a pivotal moment to reconcile political will with practical action, advancing the global imperative to end fossil fuel dependency and mitigate climate change impacts.