Almost a month after COP 30 concluded, it may be the right moment to look back at what happened and, more importantly, to consider where we are heading.
As with many COPs before it, COP 30 failed to deliver the level of action needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the pace science demands. Climate finance remains far below what is required, and political willingness to provide funding is weak—too often relying on loans rather than grants. Meanwhile, the heavy debt burden of many developing countries continues to limit their ability to respond to climate-induced disruptions.
For decades, vested interests have hindered the steps necessary to move us away from the fossil-fuel highway we are still on—toward a path that could offer a smoother landing rather than the crash that continued fossil fuel dependence will bring. Today, political decision-makers are increasingly influenced by climate disinformation and denial, rooted in short-term thinking. The appetite for quick returns, regardless of the consequences, continues to dominate political and economic discussions.
This raises a fundamental question: why should we still pay attention to COP 30 or to future COPs? Is it worth gathering representatives from nearly every country each year, alongside civil society, only to witness what can feel like a recurring circus—where climate disinformation clowns and fossil-fuel trapeze artists perform the same old tricks?
Criticism of the UNFCCC is justified on many grounds. Yet it remains the only multilateral framework that includes all nations, rather than leaving decisions solely to the most powerful economies. This is precisely why we must not withdraw from it—especially at a time when major powers are challenging and undermining multilateral institutions across the board. COP 30 did not bring the world closer to limiting global warming to 1.5°C, nor did it secure staying below 2°C. However, it also did not dismantle the existing agreements on mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance.
In an era marked by rising nationalism, multilateral platforms are increasingly weakened. Nationalism fuels short-termism, and short-termism is devastating for our shared future. This is why global climate justice efforts are currently facing such strong headwinds.
After 25 years of working at the intersection of churches and environmental issues, I have seen progress—but also a persistent failure to grasp the urgency of the crisis. We have moved from a world where climate change was treated as one issue among many, to be addressed when time and resources allowed, to one where urgency is clearly higher on the agenda. At the same time, this growing urgency has triggered strong resistance from those whose economic interests are threatened. This tension helps explain why COP 30 could not rise to the level of action required today.
Around 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from burning fossil fuels. A rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is the fastest and most effective way to prevent temperature rise from reaching levels that put global ecosystems at severe risk. Against this backdrop, it is deeply disappointing that the f inal COP 30 text removed any reference to fossil fuels altogether.
Yet there may be another path forward. Addressing fossil fuels through complementary processes that bring together states, movements, and civil society could help accelerate real action. One such initiative is the announcement by Colombia and the Netherlands to host the first international conference on a just transition away from fossil fuels in April 2026.
This conference aims to advance international cooperation on ending fossil fuel extraction— particularly significant given that Colombia is one of the world’s largest coal producers. It is also noteworthy that the initiative refers to the recent Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, which confirmed that states have a legal obligation to protect the climate, including by addressing fossil fuel production, licensing, and subsidies.
Reaching the turning point where fossil fuels remain in the ground will require unprecedented international cooperation to ensure that no one is left behind. This is the essence of climate justice: transforming fossil-fuel-based economies into renewable energy systems while protecting the most vulnerable.
This is where churches and faith communities have a vital role to play. Few actors carry such a deeply rooted message of metanoia—of collective repentance, transformation, and solidarity— combined with a moral commitment to protect the vulnerable and leave no one behind. Faith communities must therefore step forward, speak clearly about the need for change, and act in ways that include the whole of creation and all who depend on it.
A better world begins with a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels. If we can demonstrate genuine global solidarity, we can become not just voices of hope, but acting hope for a better tomorrow.
Rev Henrik Grape
Senior Advisor on Care for Creation, Sustainability and Climate Justice
World Council of Churches