Brazil’s Lula to Push Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Plan at G20 Despite Global Resistance

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will take his fossil fuel phase-out roadmap to the G20 summit in Johannesburg, signaling his determination to fight for a global transition away from oil, coal, and gas. Lula told COP30 participants in Belém that he intends to advocate for the plan in every major international forum, including the G7 and G20, despite strong pushback from several major fossil-fuel-producing countries.
The roadmap, endorsed by 82 governments, represents only 7% of global fossil fuel production and has faced significant resistance from powerful states such as Russia, China, India, and South Africa. Negotiators say these countries have jointly rejected the proposal, leading to its removal from the latest draft of COP30’s main negotiating text.
Environmental advocates say Lula is motivated by the growing threat of extreme climate events and the worsening inequality caused by the climate crisis. While some nations—including Saudi Arabia and China—have shown limited openness to a flexible version of the roadmap, others remain hesitant. Developing nations may be more supportive if wealthier countries, particularly the EU, offer stronger financial commitments.
Lula’s efforts also face challenges at home, where Brazil’s petrochemical and agribusiness sectors exert significant pressure. Even so, his push for global fossil fuel transition adds new momentum to climate negotiations and elevates the debate to the highest political level at the G20.