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The environment minister, Marina Silva, has called on all nations to show the bravery needed to address the imperative of a global fossil fuel phaseout, describing the creation of a detailed plan as an “moral” answer to the climate crisis.

She emphasized, however, that involvement in this endeavor would be optional and “independently decided” for interested nations.

This issue stands as one of the most contentious subjects at the COP30 in Brazil, with countries split over whether and in what way such a roadmap can be discussed. As the host, the nation has maintained a carefully neutral position on which items can be included on the formal agenda.

Silva expressed approval for the potential of a plan, though not directly committing the country to it. The minister stated: “When we have a terrain that is quite grim, it is good that we have a map. But the guide does not compel us to proceed, or to climb.”

In an interview, the minister noted: “The roadmap is an answer to our scientific understanding [of the climate emergency]. It is an moral answer.”

Dozens of nations meeting in the host city for the global climate conference, which is starting its next phase, are seeking to establish how a global transition of fossil fuels could work. These nations hope to build on a historic resolution reached two years ago at COP28 to “move away from non-renewable energy sources.”

The commitment had no a timetable or specifics on the way it could be realized, and even though it was passed by all, several countries have later attempted to disavow the pledge. Attempts last year to elaborate on its practical implications were blocked by opposition from oil-dependent nations at another UN summit.

As a result, there was no mention of the shift away from fossil fuels in the final agreement of COP29.

For these reasons, Brazil has been cautious of demands by certain countries to include the phaseout on the schedule for the current summit. But Silva has worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the pledge could be discussed at the conference outside the formal agenda.

The minister convinced the nation's leader, and he made public reference three times to the need to “move away from reliance on traditional energy” at the summit of world leaders that preceded COP30, and at the opening of the summit.

“The issue is something that we know at a certain time had to be put forward, because it is the only way to address the issue from the source,” Marina Silva explained. “We acknowledge that it is challenging, and we cannot sell unrealistic expectations. Raising the topic is courageous, and I hope [to see] this bravery from all, from producers and consumers.”

The nation had not started the push for a transition, the minister clarified, because that had been done at the earlier summit. Rather, it was allowing the discussions to occur in accordance with what some countries desired. “We understand these subjects are sensitive. We will provide the opportunity to discuss it,” the minister added.

There is not enough time at COP30 to create a detailed plan, a task Silva said could take several years because numerous countries confronted complex issues around dependence on fossil fuels, or aimed to use the revenue from selling fossil fuels to finance their economic growth.

“The country brings up the topic, because it is both a producing nation and consumer,” she said. “But the nation is unique, because Brazil, if it chooses to, does not have to rely on fossil fuels. We have to recognise that there are some that rely on carbon energy in their economic systems and don’t have easy alternatives, and others where oil and gas are the foundation of their economic structure.

“To be fair is to be fair to all, but the fundamental, primordial justice is not being unjust to the Earth, because it is our home.”

Should the pledge gains sufficient support, COP30 could establish a platform in which the process of drawing up a strategy to the phaseout could start.

This process would involve dialogue with every participating nations to the UN framework convention on climate change and guidelines for how the process would unfold, the minister explained. “Once we have criteria, a governance structure can be developed; once we have a strategy, and establish safeguards to be able to build confidence in the system, I believe that with these elements we can transform positive concepts into actions that are more defined, and more concrete.”

It is uncertain that a proposal to start developing a plan would be accepted at the conference, although it may not need the official approval of the conference, which operates by unanimous agreement and can be disrupted by particular groups. COP experts have suggested they think there could be backing for such a proposal from about 60 countries, but there are believed to be at least 40 opposed. A total of one hundred ninety-five nations represented at the talks.

“In spite of being the root cause of global warming, carbon-based energy are about the most contentious subject there is within the international climate talks, so to see a sizable group of countries publicly backing a route to achieving global transition is in itself pretty groundbreaking.”

“In simple terms, there’s no path to a planet where temperature rise remains below 1.5 degrees in which countries aren’t able to talk about fossil fuel phaseout.”

“We need this language for real in this conversation. It’s highly illogical that we discuss all topics but then when fossil fuels are the real challenge.”

Negotiations carried on on Saturday on four outstanding topics that have still not been included into the official schedule: trade, transparency, funding and how to address the shortfall between the emissions cuts countries have proposed and those needed to hold to the 1.5C warming target.

The COP30 president promised a “document” that would cover these issues, after discussions – which have been going on since the start of the week – were inconclusive. He urged countries to adopt the “mutirão” attitude, referring to one of cooperation and positive discussion.

Work on additional substantive issues – such as adaptation to the effects of the climate emergency, the just transition for those affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy and how to strengthen governance capabilities in developing countries – proceeded productively, the host reported.

Brazil’s lead representative stated the detailed phase of the summit proceedings was approaching the end, and the high-level stage – when ministers who have the authority to alter their nations' positions join – was beginning.