BELÉM, Brazil: UN Secretary-General António Guterres pressed world leaders at COP30 to deliver a balanced climate deal that advances both adaptation finance and fossil-fuel phase-down, warning that only a unified push on both fronts can keep the 1.5°C goal alive.
Guterres said a “truly ambitious” outcome must include a collective commitment by developed countries to triple adaptation finance by 2030, while ensuring progress on mitigation — including a credible roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels. “I strongly hope it will be possible to find a compromise,” he said, urging negotiators to reconcile long-standing divides over money and emissions cuts.
During a press conference, the Secretary-General called it essential that all countries rapidly submit updated national climate plans, or NDCs, and treat them as “a floor, not a ceiling.” He noted that current NDCs remain “far from aligned” with limiting warming to 1.5°C and must be strengthened with deeper emission cuts in the coming years.
Asked about messages for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Guterres replied: “We are waiting for you,” adding that “hope is the last thing that dies” when pressed on whether Trump may re-engage constructively in climate talks.
On the central dispute over fossil fuels, Guterres avoided speculation about failure. “This is not the moment to talk about the possible failure of the COP,” he said. “It is the moment to guarantee that failure doesn’t occur.” He said a compromise is achievable if adaptation and mitigation concerns are advanced together, including clear language on fossil-fuel transition consistent with progress made at COP28 in Dubai.
Guterres also addressed resistance from some developed countries — including the EU and UK — that support a fossil-fuel roadmap but hesitate to ramp up adaptation finance. He said many of these governments appear willing to engage on financing, provided it is matched by strong mitigation outcomes.
As COP30 negotiations intensify, the Secretary-General reiterated that only a package deal balancing finance, adaptation and emissions reduction can secure a meaningful outcome and maintain momentum in global climate action.
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