COP30 and the Energy Transition: An Environmental Problem or an Attempt to Maintain the Status Quo?

Alberto Mudjadju"

COP30, also known as the 30th Conference of the Parties, was a major climate summit held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025. This event brought together representatives from 198 countries, along with young activists, environmental advocates, businesses, and members of civil society to accelerate action towards a more sustainable planet. The energy transition is a complex and multifaceted issue involving the shift from a fossil fuel-based economy to a more sustainable and renewable one. Fossil fuels constitute an environmental problem, particularly oil, coal, and natural gas, which are major causes of air and water pollution, contributing to global warming and climate change. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which are responsible for about 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the extraction and transport of fossil fuels can have significant environmental impacts, such as the destruction of natural habitats and water pollution. The energy transition can also be seen as an attempt by the West to maintain the status quo, particularly by countries that developed with the benefit of oil, natural gas, and coal, thus hindering the development of countries like Mozambique through this path. The fossil fuel industry is one of the most powerful and influential in the world, with a great capacity for lobbying and political influence. Many countries depend heavily on fossil fuels to generate energy and drive the economy, making it difficult to switch to more sustainable energy sources. The transition to renewable energy can be expensive and lead to job losses in traditional sectors. However, this energy transition is proving necessary, as it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Renewable energies, such as solar and wind, are becoming increasingly cost-competitive and can create jobs and stimulate the economy, as well as improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported energy sources. The energy transition is a complex challenge that requires international cooperation and coordination of public policies. It is necessary to invest in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure to support the transition, and it can also create opportunities for innovation and the development of new technologies and sectors. The underlying question is: Why do some more developed countries (mainly European) want to prevent developing countries from leveraging fossil fuels? Various reasons are invoked, ranging from environmental factors to economic reasons, and finally, political issues. Regarding environmental issues, the West speaks of air and water pollution, and global warming, as well as trying to prevent other countries from following the same path they took in the past when industrialization was based on fossil fuels. Therefore, they suggest that developing countries could jump directly to renewable energies, which would help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Regarding economic reasons, Western countries have a competitive advantage in the renewable energy sector with leading companies in technologies such as solar and wind power. By promoting renewable energy in developing countries, they can create new business and export opportunities for their companies. Furthermore, the transition to renewable energy can reduce developing countries' dependence on fossil fuel imports, which can improve their trade balance. Finally, there are political reasons, where Western countries want to maintain their political and economic influence in the world, and the transition to renewable energy can be a way to maintain this influence. By promoting renewable energy, Western countries can create dependence in developing countries and maintain their leading position on the international stage. In addition, the transition to renewable energy can be a way to promote Western values, such as democracy and human rights, in developing countries. This can be understood as the ideal of this energy transition proposed by the West, which has suffered harsh criticism from some developing countries, alleging that the Western approach is hypocritical, since Western countries developed using fossil fuels and now want to prevent others from doing the same. Others say that the Western approach is a form of imperialism, as Western countries are imposing their own solutions and technologies on developing countries, as well as a way of maintaining the dependence of developing countries on Western countries, instead of promoting sustainable and autonomous development. It is important to consider the West's position, but priority should also be given to criticisms of the Western approach and to promoting a fairer and more equitable approach to sustainable development.

2025/12/3