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The environment minister, Marina Silva, has called on every country to demonstrate the courage needed to address the necessity of a global transition away from fossil fuels, labeling the development of a detailed plan as an “ethical” response to the climate crisis.

The minister stressed, however, that involvement in this process would be optional and “self-determined” for interested governments.

The topic stands as one of the most debated subjects at the UN climate summit in the host country, with nations divided over if and how such a strategy can be addressed. As the host, the nation has adopted a carefully neutral stance on what can be included on the official agenda.

Silva voiced support for the possibility of a roadmap, though not explicitly pledging the country to it. She remarked: “In times we have a situation that is very challenging, it is helpful that we have a guide. But the guide does not force us to proceed, or to advance.”

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

Dozens of countries gathered in Belém for the UN climate summit, which is starting its second week, are aiming to establish how a worldwide phaseout of fossil fuels could be implemented. These nations aim to advance a historic agreement reached two years ago at COP28 to “transition away from non-renewable energy sources.”

The pledge had no a schedule or specifics on the way it could be achieved, and although it was passed unanimously, some countries have later tried to disavow the promise. Attempts last year to elaborate on its practical meaning were stymied by opposition from oil-dependent nations at COP29.

Consequently, there was no reference of the shift away from fossil fuels in the outcome of COP29.

For these reasons, Brazil has been cautious of calls by some countries to place the transition on the agenda for COP30. But the minister has strived behind the scenes to make sure the topic could be discussed at the summit apart from the formal program.

The minister convinced Brazil’s leader, and he gave mention three times 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 opening of the summit.

“The issue is something that we know at some point had to be raised, because it is the sole way to face the problem from the source,” the minister explained. “We acknowledge that it is challenging, and we cannot sell false hopes. Bringing up the subject is courageous, and I wish [to see] this courage from everyone, from producers and using countries.”

Brazil had not initiated the call for a phaseout, she clarified, because that had been initiated at COP28. Rather, it was enabling the talks to occur in accordance with what certain nations desired. “We know these subjects are delicate. We will give the opportunity to discuss it,” she said.

Time is insufficient at the summit to create a roadmap, a process the minister called could take a number of years because many countries confronted complex challenges around dependence on fossil fuels, or wanted to use the proceeds from selling fossil fuels to fund their development.

“The country brings up the subject, because it is both a producer and user,” the minister noted. “But Brazil is different, because Brazil, if it chooses to, need not depend on fossil fuels. We have to recognise that there are some that depend on fossil fuels in their economic systems and lack simple solutions, and some where oil and gas are the foundation of their economy.

“To be just is to be just to all, but the essential, primordial justice is not being unjust to the planet, because it is our home.”

If the proposal receives enough support, COP30 could establish a platform in which the work of drawing up a roadmap to the phaseout could start.

The endeavor would require discussions with all signatory nations to the UN framework convention on climate change and criteria for how the initiative would unfold, Silva said. “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 process, I believe that with these elements we can turn good ideas into steps that are clearer, and more concrete.”

There is no guarantee that a proposal to start developing a roadmap would be accepted at the conference, even if it may not need the formal approval of the summit, which proceeds by unanimous agreement and can be disrupted by special interests. Climate experts have indicated they believe there could be backing for such a proposal from about 60 countries, but there are thought to be at least forty opposed. There are 195 countries represented at the talks.

“Despite being the root cause of global warming, fossil fuels are about the most contentious topic there is within the international climate talks, so to see a sizable coalition of nations openly backing a route to realizing global phaseout is in itself highly significant.”

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

“We require this language for real in this conversation. It’s quite stupid that we discuss all topics but then when fossil fuels are the real problem.”

Negotiations carried on on Saturday on four unresolved topics that have still not been incorporated into the official schedule: commerce, transparency, finance and how to address the shortfall between the emissions cuts countries have planned and those required to hold to the 1.5-degree temperature target.

A COP30 president promised a “document” that would cover these issues, after consultations – which have been underway since Monday – were unresolved. The official urged countries to adopt the “mutirão” attitude, meaning one of collaboration and positive discussion.

Progress on additional key topics – including adjustment to the impacts of the climate crisis, the just transition for those affected by the move to a low-carbon economy and how to strengthen governance capabilities in developing countries – proceeded productively, the presidency said.

The host nation's lead representative stated the detailed part of the COP proceedings was nearing completion, and the high-level phase – when ministers who have the power to change their countries’ stances join – was beginning.