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Brazil’s climate chief, Marina Silva, has called on all nations to show the bravery needed to address the necessity of a worldwide fossil fuel phaseout, describing the creation of a detailed plan as an “moral” answer to the climate crisis.

The minister emphasized, though, that involvement in this process would be optional and “self-determined” for willing nations.

This issue stands as one of the most contentious matters at the COP30 in Brazil, with countries split over whether and how such a strategy can be discussed. As the host, the nation has maintained a carefully neutral stance on what can be placed on the formal schedule.

The official expressed support for the possibility of a roadmap, though not explicitly committing Brazil to it. She stated: “When we have a situation that is quite grim, it is helpful that we have a guide. But the map does not compel us to travel, or to advance.”

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

Scores of countries meeting in the host city for the UN climate summit, which is starting its second week, are aiming to determine how a worldwide transition of oil, gas, and coal could be implemented. They hope to advance a landmark agreement made two years ago at COP28 to “transition away from non-renewable energy sources.”

That commitment lacked a schedule or specifics on how it could be achieved, and although it was adopted unanimously, some nations have since tried to disavow the pledge. Attempts last year to elaborate on its practical meaning were blocked by resistance from oil-dependent nations at another UN summit.

As a result, there was no mention of the transition away from carbon fuels in the outcome of that conference.

Because of this, the host has been cautious of demands by certain countries to include the transition on the agenda for the current summit. But Silva has worked hard in private to make sure the pledge could be talked about at the summit outside the official program.

The minister won over the nation's president, who made mention repeatedly to the need to “move away from reliance on traditional energy” at the summit of world leaders that came before the conference, and at the start of the summit.

“The issue is something that we understand at some point had to be put forward, because it is the sole way to face the issue from the source,” Marina Silva explained. “We recognise that it is not easy, and we cannot offer unrealistic expectations. Bringing up the subject is brave, and I hope [to see] this courage from all, from producers and using countries.”

The nation had not started the call for a transition, the minister clarified, because that had been initiated at the earlier summit. Rather, it was allowing the talks to take place in line with what some countries wished. “We know these topics are delicate. We will give the chance to discuss it,” she added.

There is not enough time at the summit to create a roadmap, a process the minister said could take a number of years because numerous countries confronted complicated issues around reliance on fossil fuels, or wanted to use the proceeds from selling fossil fuels to fund their economic growth.

“Brazil raises the subject, because Brazil is both a producer and user,” she noted. “But Brazil is unique, because it, if it wants to, need not depend on non-renewables. We have to understand that there are some that depend on fossil fuels in their economies and lack easy alternatives, and some where fossil fuels are the foundation of their economy.

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

If the pledge receives enough backing, COP30 could set up a forum in which the work of drawing up a strategy to the phaseout could start.

The process would require dialogue with all signatory nations to the UN framework convention on climate change and guidelines for how the process would unfold, Silva explained. “Once we have standards, a governance structure can be developed; after we have a strategy, and create protections to be able to establish confidence in the system, I am confident that with these elements we can transform positive concepts into steps that are clearer, and more tangible.”

It is uncertain that a proposal to start drawing up a plan would win approval at the conference, although it may not need the official approval of the conference, which proceeds by unanimous agreement and can be disrupted by particular groups. Climate experts have indicated they think there could be support for such a idea from about sixty nations, but there are believed to be at least 40 against. There are 195 countries participating at the talks.

“Despite being the primary source of climate change, fossil fuels are about the most divisive topic there is within the international climate talks, so to see a sizable coalition of nations publicly backing a route to realizing worldwide transition is in itself highly significant.”

“In simple terms, there’s no path to a planet where warming stays below 1.5C in which countries aren’t able to discuss ending fossil fuel use.”

“We require this language for actual in this conversation. It’s highly illogical that we talk about everything but then when the main issue are the actual challenge.”

Negotiations continued on Saturday on several outstanding topics that have still not been incorporated into the formal agenda: commerce, openness, finance and how to tackle the shortfall between the emissions cuts countries have proposed and those required to hold to the 1.5C warming target.

A summit chair pledged a “note” that would cover these issues, after consultations – which have been underway since Monday – were inconclusive. The official urged nations to adopt the “mutirão” spirit, meaning one of collaboration and positive dialogue.

Work on other substantive issues – such as adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis, the fair shift for those affected by the transition to a green economic system and how to build institutional capacity in developing countries – proceeded constructively, the presidency said.

The host nation's chief negotiator said the technical part of the COP process was approaching completion, and the high-level stage – when government leaders who have the authority to change their nations' stances arrive – was beginning.