Governments play a large role in instigating change through policies, financing and incentives.
Following COP30 last November in Belém and the Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels conference in Colombia this April, participating countries are to be developing a national roadmap to phase out fossil fuels.
So far, three countries have published a plan: the Netherlands, France and Germany. France and Germany have stated end dates (2050 and 2045 respectively) while the Netherlands has yet to name a phase-out date.
Despite criticisms of the roadmaps, including effectiveness and alignment with domestic energy policies, the three countries deserve credit for developing and publicizing a plan, something many other countries have yet to do.
COP31 takes place next month in Antalya Türkiye. The conclusion of COP30 saw a commitment “developing a Roadmap for Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.”
Will COP31 strengthen this commitment and see other countries make public their commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels?