Climate KIC supports a global fossil fuel transition roadmap at COP30

On November 18, 2025, ministers from more than 20 countries convened a press conference at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, to issue a joint call for the summit’s main political outcome—the final “Mutirão” decision—to include a commitment to develop a global roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels. The press conference was led by Denmark, the most ambitious country when it comes to climate action, according to the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index, and the country that holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until December 31, 2025.

The coalition spanning more than 80 countries includes industrialised nations such as the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, alongside major developing countries including Colombia and Kenya, and vulnerable Pacific Island states. This coordinated push represents a significant moment in international climate negotiations, building on the landmark COP28 agreement in Dubai where countries agreed for the first time to accelerate efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power, phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and drive the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, with developed countries continuing to take the lead.

Climate KIC welcomes the groundswell of support for a comprehensive global roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels. We applaud the coalition calling for this landmark commitment to be included in the summit’s political outcome and urge the EU, as a negotiating bloc, to join the call.

A rapid, managed transition away from oil, gas, and coal is the most important action to limit global warming and protect our future, and a global fossil fuel transition roadmap would represent a critical next step in translating climate commitments into concrete action.

“Climate KIC has long advocated for accelerating Europe’s clean energy transition. We now urge the European Union and all member states to move decisively behind this initiative. Europe is uniquely positioned to lead by example, demonstrating that ambitious climate action and economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing,” says Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of Climate KIC.

What’s at stake

A truly just and equitable transition demands investment in clean innovation, support for workers and communities dependent on fossil fuel industries, and equitable financing for developing nations. This must extend across all sectors, from energy to food systems.

We urge governments—particularly in Europe—to:

• Endorse the call for a global fossil fuel transition roadmap at COP30
• Commit to developing ambitious, nationally determined transition plans
• Ensure that financing for the transition reaches those who need it most
• Embed just transition principles that protect workers and communities

Climate KIC commits to leveraging our network of partners, expertise, and resources to support countries implementing just transition pathways and to working alongside governments, businesses, and communities to make this transition a reality.