Swiss Minister Albert Rösti Expresses Frustration Over Difficult COP30 Climate Negotiations

Swiss Minister Cites 'Difficult' Negotiations at COP30

Belém, Brazil – Switzerland's Environment Minister, Albert Rösti, has openly expressed his frustration over the arduous and often deadlocked negotiations at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025. Rösti described the discussions as 'difficult,' pointing to significant disagreements, especially regarding concrete measures for reducing CO2 emissions.

Speaking from Brazil during the final stages of the summit, Rösti told Keystone-ATS that the differences among nations were 'bigger than at previous climate conferences.' His remarks underscore the persistent challenges in forging a unified global approach to climate action.

Deep Divisions on Decarbonization Roadmap

A central point of contention, according to Minister Rösti, revolved around the so-called 'roadmap' – the specific actions individual states are expected to take to curb CO2 emissions. He noted a clear divide: 'On the one hand there are the countries that do not want to commit to a roadmap; on the other hand there are those in the West, including Switzerland, who believe that decarbonisation measures can only take effect if everyone is involved.' Rösti emphasized, 'If we really want to decarbonise, the whole planet needs to be involved.'

This sentiment was echoed by reports indicating that a roadmap proposed by the COP30 presidency, aimed at achieving greater emission reductions, faced opposition from Arab countries concerned about a potentially rapid phase-out of fossil fuels.

Switzerland's Stance and Demands for Ambition

Switzerland, represented by Federal Councillor Albert Rösti at the ministerial-level negotiations on November 20 and 21, 2025, has been a vocal advocate for ambitious climate action. The country's position is clear: it cannot accept a substantial increase in funds for adaptation measures in the poorest countries without simultaneously establishing 'clear and sufficiently ambitious targets for the transition from fossil fuels to climate-friendly energy sources.' Rösti stressed, 'If the Paris Climate Agreement is to be taken seriously, concrete measures must be taken.'

Switzerland has urged all states, particularly major emitters, to submit ambitious reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. The nation itself submitted revised targets in January, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. Additionally, Switzerland promoted recommendations from COP28, including tripling renewable energy use and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, and phasing out fossil fuels by 2050. The country also sought to strengthen the international carbon market through a new alliance and signed bilateral climate agreements to count emissions saved abroad towards its national targets.

Broader Negotiation Challenges and Impasse

The difficulties highlighted by Rösti were part of broader challenges at COP30. The European Union, for instance, threatened to block a 'weak' final deal, citing a lack of ambition on emissions cuts and financing. Negotiators also grappled with disagreements over the financing of climate protection measures and adaptation to climate change. Some delegations, particularly from vulnerable countries, expressed frustration that certain nations were arguing against the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement and even questioning the scientific consensus from the IPCC.

The conference faced a crucial final day after all-night discussions to overcome impasses, with the EU blocking a deal it felt would not adequately advance efforts to curb greenhouse gases. These deep-seated disagreements underscore the complex political and economic hurdles in achieving a consensus on global climate action.