COP30 Preparations Exclude Fossil Fuels Amid Climate Crisis

Several articles highlight the urgent need to address fossil fuel reliance in global climate initiatives and energy policy. Experts argue that despite fossil fuels being the primary driver of greenhouse gas emissions, they remain insufficiently addressed in COP30 negotiations, and countries have shown resistance to commitments made at previous climate summits such as COP28. In the energy market, ongoing fossil fuel subsidies distort prices, promote overconsumption, and predominantly benefit wealthier households, undermining both long-term affordability and public investment in essential services. Meanwhile, the decline of coal in the U.S. has led to significant economic and social challenges in former mining regions, even as oil and gas production reach record highs. The shift to cleaner energy sources is also debated in the automotive sector, with industry leaders emphasizing the need for diverse, carbon-neutral technologies and robust regulatory frameworks to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. Overall, the articles underscore the need for policy coherence, targeted support, and a central focus on phasing out fossil fuels to achieve meaningful progress on climate and energy security.