Fire disrupts last-minute efforts to reach global deal at COP30
What's the story
The ongoing United Nations climate summit, COP30, in Belem, Brazil, was temporarily halted after a fire broke out at the venue. The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, erupted in one of the country exhibition pavilions and was quickly brought under control. Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation, and thousands of delegates were evacuated from the building. Brazilian Tourism Minister Celso Sabino said he was unsure when they would be allowed to return.
Stalled talks
COP30 negotiations stall over fossil fuel and climate finance
The fire incident comes as a major setback to the ongoing negotiations at COP30. The summit has already missed a self-imposed deadline (Wednesday) to reach agreements on key issues such as increasing climate finance and transitioning away from fossil fuels. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier called for a deal, saying "one thing is clear: we are down to the wire."
Twitter Post
Fire at pavilion area
***Breaking news***from cop 30 Belem
— Angelo Giuliano 🇨🇭🇮🇹🔻🔻🔻 (@angeloinchina) November 20, 2025
Massive fire, evacuations pic.twitter.com/2bQX94bJqm
Key disputes
Fossil fuel transition and climate finance remain contentious issues
The negotiations have been stalled over two major issues: the future of fossil fuels and climate finance delivery. Dozens of countries, both developed and developing, have pushed for a roadmap outlining how countries should move away from fossil fuels. Others, particularly fossil fuel-producing countries, are refusing. A roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels was agreed upon at COP28 in 2023, but details on how to implement it are still missing.
Others
Developing countries skeptical of $300 billion climate funding pledge
Another key stumbling block in the negotiations is some wealthy countries' unwillingness to guarantee financing to assist poorer countries in adapting to climate change, three people involved in the talks told Reuters. Developing countries are already skeptical of a $300 billion climate funding pledge made last year at the COP29 summit in Baku, especially as the US withdraws from climate cooperation under President Donald Trump.