The incident occurred just as negotiators from nearly 200 countries were attempting to finalise a deal aimed at accelerating global climate action. The host nation, Brazil, had been pushing hard for progress - but the unexpected emergency added yet another layer of challenge to already tense talks.
According to local officials, the fire started in one of the country pavilions used for exhibitions and meetings. Early assessments suggest the cause was an electrical malfunction, potentially from a small appliance. Fire crews had the blaze under control within minutes, but the smoke spread quickly through the temporary structure.
Thirteen people received treatment for smoke inhalation, though none were seriously hurt. Security staff moved quickly to evacuate the area and set up cordons as firefighters worked to make the site safe.
Even before the fire, negotiators were struggling to make headway. The summit missed its own Wednesday deadline to settle the first stage of agreements - including issues such as climate finance, adaptation support, and the future of fossil fuels.
Brazil circulated a draft compromise text earlier in the day, but it did not include a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, a point of frustration for many. Roughly 80 countries have been calling for a formal plan to phase down fossil fuels - a commitment they argue was promised at COP28 but has yet to materialise.
Other nations, particularly major fossil fuel producers, have been pushing back.
Whether, and how, the world should commit to “transitioning away” from coal, oil and gas remains the most discussed topic. While emissions from fossil fuels drive the majority of global warming, governments remain divided over the pace and fairness of a global shift.
Developing countries continue to demand clearer commitments from wealthier nations, especially on adaptation funding. A proposal to triple adaptation finance by 2030 has been brought up, but how the money will be delivered, and by who, remains unresolved.
Some negotiators from vulnerable nations have warned that without meaningful progress on adaptation, COP30 risks failing those already experiencing the harshest climate impacts.
Smaller island states and low-income regions emphasise that extreme weather is intensifying faster than assistance is arriving. Previous funding pledges have often been delayed or diverted.
The fire - though quickly extinguished - underscored the fragility of the talks. With less than 24 hours left before the scheduled closing of the summit, negotiators face increasing pressure to bridge divides and deliver a meaningful outcome.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said earlier in the day that he remained “convinced a compromise is possible,” but urged governments to show flexibility and ambition.
For now, delegates must wait for the all-clear to return to the negotiation halls - and hope that time has not already run out for a breakthrough.
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