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COP30 Talks Stall After Venue Fire as Coalition Rejects Draft Lacking Fossil-Fuel Roadmap

Delegations pressed the presidency to issue a revised text that charts a just transition away from oil, gas and coal.

Overview

  • A blaze in the UN-administered Zone Azul/Hangar on Nov. 20 triggered a full evacuation; UNFCCC later said the venue was inspected and fully reopened that night, with negotiations running past the scheduled close.
  • In the early hours of Nov. 21, the presidency released draft outcomes widely criticized as weak for avoiding an explicit plan to phase out fossil fuels.
  • Around 30 countries, including Colombia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain, sent a joint letter rejecting the draft and demanding a stronger, revised text committing to a just transition away from fossil fuels.
  • Fire officials pointed to a likely electrical short or overload and highly combustible temporary materials as contributing factors, with the formal investigation still underway.
  • Authorities reported no fatalities, while reports varied that between 13 and 19 people were treated for smoke inhalation.