Short Wave "A Very, Very Big Deal." Countries Take On Fossil Fuels
Dec 17, 2025
Julia Simon, a climate reporter for NPR's Climate Desk, dives into the chaos of COP30 in Brazil, sharing anecdotes like a tent fire evacuation during crucial announcements. She highlights the frustration of countries struggling to reach agreements on fossil fuel phase-outs. In an exciting shift, the Santa Marta Conference is introduced, focusing on equitable measures to phase out fossil fuels and support affected workers. Julia also discusses the ambitious Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, aiming for a legally binding commitment to tackling emissions.
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Fire Interrupted A Key COP30 Announcement
- Julia Simon recounts a fire at COP30 that interrupted a major announcement and evacuated tens of thousands.
- She immediately sought Andres Gomez because his group's announcement was scheduled minutes after the blaze.
COPs Have Historically Avoided Fossil Fuels
- Burning coal, oil and natural gas is the single biggest driver of global warming and COPs have long underemphasized fossil fuels.
- It took 28 years for COP agreements to even mention transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Group Of 'High Ambition' Countries Formed
- Julia Simon met Andres Gomez who showed her a list of about 20 countries planning the Santa Marta Conference on phasing out fossil fuels.
- The organizers intended the April 2026 conference in Santa Marta, Colombia to be the first global forum focused on a fossil fuel phase-out.