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Brazil’s climate chief, the minister, has called on all nations to show the bravery needed to address the imperative of a worldwide fossil fuel phaseout, describing the development of a detailed plan as an “ethical” response to the climate crisis.

She emphasized, though, that participation in this process would be optional and “independently decided” for interested nations.

The topic stands as one of the most debated matters at the UN climate summit in Brazil, with countries split over whether and in what way such a strategy can be discussed. Hosting the event, Brazil has adopted a balanced stance on which items can be included on the formal schedule.

The official voiced support for the possibility of a plan, without directly pledging Brazil to it. She stated: “When we have a terrain that is very challenging, it is good that we have a map. But the map does not force us to proceed, or to advance.”

Speaking further, she added: “The roadmap is an answer to our scientific knowledge [of the climate crisis]. It is an moral answer.”

Scores of nations gathered in the host city for the UN climate summit, which is starting its second week, are seeking to determine how a global transition of fossil fuels could work. They aim to build on a historic resolution reached two years ago at COP28 to “transition away from non-renewable energy sources.”

The commitment lacked a schedule or specifics on the way it could be realized, and although it was passed unanimously, several nations have since tried to back away from the pledge. Attempts last year to expand on its practical implications were stymied by opposition from oil-dependent nations at COP29.

As a result, there was no reference of the shift away from carbon fuels in the outcome of COP29.

Because of this, the host has been cautious of demands by some nations to place the transition on the agenda for COP30. But Silva has worked hard behind the scenes to make sure the pledge could be talked about at the summit apart from the official program.

The minister convinced Brazil’s president, and he gave 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 event.

“This is a matter that we understand at a certain time had to be raised, because it is the only way to address the issue from the source,” the minister said. “We acknowledge that it is not easy, and we cannot sell unrealistic expectations. Raising the subject is courageous, and I wish [to see] this bravery from all, from producing nations and using countries.”

Brazil had not started the call for a phaseout, she clarified, because that had been initiated at the earlier summit. Instead, it was enabling the discussions to occur in line with what some nations desired. “We understand these topics are sensitive. We will give the chance to talk about it,” the minister added.

Time is insufficient at the summit to create a roadmap, a task Silva called could take a number of years because numerous countries confronted complex challenges around dependence on carbon-based energy, or wanted to use the proceeds from exporting oil and gas to fund their development.

“Brazil raises the topic, because it is simultaneously a producer and user,” she noted. “But the nation is different, because Brazil, if it wants to, does not have to depend on non-renewables. We have to understand that there are some that rely on carbon energy in their economic systems and lack simple alternatives, and others where oil and gas are the basis of their economic structure.

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

If the pledge receives sufficient backing, the summit could establish a platform in which the process of drawing up a strategy to the transition could start.

This endeavor would require dialogue with all participating nations to the UN framework convention on climate change and criteria for how the initiative would unfold, Silva explained. “Once we have criteria, a management framework can be drawn up; once we have a strategy, and establish protections to be able to build confidence in the system, I am confident that with these elements we can transform positive concepts into steps that are more defined, and more tangible.”

It is uncertain that a suggestion to begin developing a roadmap would be accepted at the conference, even if it does not require the official consent of the conference, which proceeds by consensus and can be hijacked by special interests. Climate analysts have indicated they think there could be support for such a idea from about sixty countries, but there are believed to be at least forty against. A total of one hundred ninety-five nations represented at the negotiations.

“In spite of being the primary source of global warming, fossil fuels are about the most divisive subject there is within the international climate talks, so to see a sizable coalition of countries openly backing a route to realizing worldwide phaseout is in itself highly significant.”

“In simple terms, there’s no route to a world where temperature rise stays below 1.5C in which nations aren’t able to talk about ending fossil fuel use.”

“We require this language for actual in this discussion. It’s quite stupid that we talk about all topics but then when the main issue are the real challenge.”

Negotiations continued on the weekend on several outstanding issues that have still not been incorporated into the formal schedule: commerce, transparency, finance and how to address the shortfall between the emissions cuts countries have proposed and those required to keep to the 1.5-degree warming target.

A summit president promised a “note” that would address these issues, after discussions – which have been underway since Monday – were unresolved. The official called on countries to embrace the “mutirão” attitude, referring to one of cooperation and positive dialogue.

Work on additional key issues – including adjustment to the impacts of the climate crisis, the fair shift for those affected by the transition to a low-carbon economic system and how to strengthen governance capabilities in developing countries – carried on constructively, the presidency said.

Brazil’s lead representative stated the technical phase of the COP proceedings was nearing the end, and the high-level phase – when government leaders who have the authority to change their countries’ stances arrive – was beginning.