Talks at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil were disrupted on Thursday after a fire broke out in the venue, triggering an evacuation just as negotiators were hunkering down to try to land a deal to strengthen international climate efforts.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had appealed earlier in the day for a deal from the summit in the Amazon city of Belem, welcoming calls from some for clarity on the hotly disputed subject of weaning the world off fossil fuels.
Security footage captured flames erupting at an exhibition pavilion shortly after lunchtime, quickly spreading along the fabric lining the walls and ceiling before being brought under control.
Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation at the venue, organizers said. The local fire service said it was probably caused by electrical equipment, likely a microwave, and was controlled within six minutes.
Thousands of delegates were evacuated as security staff formed a human barrier across the hallway.
Drafting Documents, Deadlines Missed
Negotiations at COP30 were not expected to resume until Friday, after the summit missed a self-imposed Wednesday deadline to reach agreement on climate finance and fossil fuel transition. Brazil circulated a draft proposal on Thursday that excluded a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels.
Fossil Fuel Rift
Talks remain divided over the future of fossil fuels and climate finance. Brazil and dozens of countries are pushing for a transition plan, while oil-producing nations resist. The COP28 summit in 2023 agreed to a transition in principle, but details on timing and implementation remain unresolved.
Financing Adaptation
Brazil’s draft text proposed tripling climate adaptation funding by 2030 but gave no details on who would pay, fueling skepticism among developing nations already wary of unmet pledges.
Richer countries have resisted new financing commitments, deepening mistrust, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres insisted compromise was still possible despite stalled talks and sharp divides between wealthy states, oil producers, and climate-vulnerable nations.
(With inputs from Reuters)
