Brazil Unveils First Global Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuels

The framework outlines practical steps for countries to reduce dependence on coal, oil and gas while supporting economic growth and poverty reduction, but critics say the absence of timelines and measurable targets could limit its impact.

Brazil has unveiled the world’s first global roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, setting out practical measures that countries can adopt to reduce their dependence on coal, oil and gas without waiting for major technological breakthroughs or sweeping economic changes.

The framework, released ahead of the next United Nations climate summit, aims to shift the global climate agenda from negotiating international commitments to implementing actions that can accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy systems. It argues that countries can begin reducing fossil fuel consumption while strengthening their economies, expanding development opportunities and improving living standards.

The initiative marks an important development in international climate diplomacy, particularly as governments face increasing pressure to translate their climate commitments into concrete policies. However, climate experts have cautioned that the roadmap lacks specific timelines, milestones and measurable benchmarks, leaving considerable uncertainty about the pace at which the transition needs to take place.

Brazil, which hosted the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November 2025 in Belém, has positioned the initiative as part of its effort to maintain momentum on global climate action beyond the annual negotiations.

From climate negotiations to implementation

The roadmap emerged from discussions at COP30, where governments struggled to reach consensus on including explicit commitments to phase out fossil fuels in the final climate agreement.

The summit, held in the Amazonian city of Belém, witnessed significant disagreements over proposals to establish a clearer pathway away from fossil fuels. While several countries supported stronger commitments to reduce dependence on coal, oil and gas, differences over the pace, responsibilities and economic implications of the transition prevented agreement on a more detailed plan.

As a compromise, the Brazilian COP30 presidency committed to developing two separate roadmaps. One would address the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, while the other would focus on halting and reversing deforestation.

The newly released framework seeks to provide governments with a practical menu of policy options rather than another set of internationally negotiated obligations. It is intended to help countries identify the areas where fossil fuel dependence can be reduced and determine which policies are most appropriate for their economic and social circumstances.

The approach also recognises that responsibility for implementing climate commitments extends beyond environment ministries. Finance, energy, transportation and infrastructure departments will need to play central roles in translating climate objectives into national development and investment decisions.

By encouraging these departments to take ownership of the transition, the initiative seeks to integrate climate action into wider economic planning and public policy.

Countries encouraged to identify their own pathways

Unlike detailed national transition plans, Brazil’s global roadmap does not prescribe a single model for phasing out fossil fuels. Instead, it encourages governments to assess their dependence on fossil energy and identify suitable policy measures based on their individual circumstances.

Countries have different energy systems, industrial structures, financial resources and development priorities. Consequently, the pace and methods of transitioning away from fossil fuels are likely to vary considerably.

The framework proposes that governments begin by identifying where fossil fuels dominate their economies and determining which policy interventions could reduce that dependence. Potential areas of action include energy production, transportation, infrastructure development and investment planning.

The emphasis is on demonstrating that the transition can begin with existing policy instruments and available technologies rather than being postponed until new technologies become commercially viable or economic conditions change.

The roadmap is also intended to connect climate objectives with broader development priorities, including economic growth and poverty reduction. This is particularly relevant for developing countries, where access to affordable energy, employment generation and industrial development remain important considerations.

However, the framework is non-binding. It does not establish compulsory deadlines, numerical targets or specific milestones for countries to achieve. Governments are free to select the measures they consider appropriate after assessing their national circumstances.

Questions over timelines and accountability

Despite being welcomed as a significant step towards advancing the global fossil fuel transition, the framework has attracted criticism over its lack of measurable commitments.

Climate policy experts have pointed out that while the roadmap identifies possible actions, it does not establish how quickly countries need to implement them or what progress should be achieved within specific periods.

This omission raises concerns about whether the framework can provide sufficient guidance to keep global warming within the temperature limits established under the Paris Agreement.

The agreement seeks to limit the rise in global average temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to restrict warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Without clear timelines and measurable benchmarks, governments may interpret the recommendations differently, potentially resulting in uneven progress and delays in reducing fossil fuel consumption.

The absence of binding obligations also means that the framework depends largely on individual governments’ willingness to adopt and implement the suggested measures.

The distinction between identifying possible actions and committing to deliver them remains a central challenge for international climate policy. While voluntary roadmaps can encourage cooperation and provide useful direction, their effectiveness ultimately depends on national-level implementation, investment and accountability.

Complementing the Santa Marta initiative

Brazil’s roadmap is separate from another international effort launched following COP30. In April, nearly 60 countries gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, to discuss strategies for transitioning away from fossil fuels and established a coalition of willing governments to develop national roadmaps.

Several participating countries, including Germany, France and the Netherlands, have since produced their own transition plans.

Unlike Brazil’s global framework, these national roadmaps are more detailed and prescriptive because they are prepared by the governments responsible for implementing the proposed policies. They can therefore identify country-specific priorities, policy instruments and measures for reducing fossil fuel dependence.

The two initiatives nevertheless share a broader objective: creating practical pathways for moving away from fossil fuels outside the traditional UN climate negotiation process.

The next UN climate conference, COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026, is expected to provide another opportunity for governments to discuss implementation and strengthen international cooperation.

A test of global climate ambition

The release of the roadmap reflects growing recognition that international climate commitments must translate into changes in national energy systems, investment decisions and development policies.

For countries heavily dependent on fossil fuel production or consumption, the transition involves complex economic and social considerations, including employment, energy security, industrial competitiveness and access to affordable electricity.

A successful transition will therefore require coordinated planning, financial support and policies that ensure vulnerable communities and workers are not left behind.

Brazil’s initiative offers a common starting point by encouraging governments to assess their dependence on fossil fuels and identify available opportunities for change. However, its real significance will depend on whether countries convert these recommendations into concrete national strategies with clear targets, timelines and accountability mechanisms.

As the global climate agenda increasingly shifts from negotiating commitments to delivering results, the challenge will be to ensure that voluntary frameworks lead to measurable reductions in fossil fuel dependence rather than remaining statements of intent.