Global News Podcast – COP30 Deal Fails to Mention Fossil Fuels

BBC World Service | Host: Keith Adams | Date: November 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of the Global News Podcast delivers a comprehensive roundup of critical international events and policy developments. The main focus is the outcome of the UN COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil, where a new climate agreement was criticized for failing to mention fossil fuels, setting off debate on its effectiveness. Additional segments cover Ukraine’s diplomatic challenges amid US-led peace initiatives, escalating US military action near Venezuela, the status of the ceasefire in Gaza, the death of Princess Diana’s fashion designer Paul Costello, the re-arrest of former Brazilian president Bolsonaro, a record-setting Titanic artifact auction, and innovative tracking of migrating monarch butterflies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. COP30 Climate Deal Lacks Fossil Fuel Commitment

• [02:05] The COP30 Summit in Brazil concluded with a climate deal that notably omits any direct reference to phasing out fossil fuels, angering over 80 participant countries that advocated for stronger language on oil, coal, and gas.

  • The omission came after pressure from oil-rich nations led by Saudi Arabia.
  • Some countries tried to prevent the conclusion of the talks, demanding the fossil fuel reference be reinstated.

• Analysis from Former UN Political Strategist

  • Tom Rivett-Carnac emphasized the absence of US involvement as significant:
    • “This year, the fact that we've had Trump in the White House actively trying to destroy these sorts of agreements, I'm honestly quite pleased that at least multilateralism is still moving forward in a positive direction.” [03:19]
    • Acknowledges that progress is too slow but praised ongoing international cooperation.

• [04:08] BBC Environment Correspondent Matt McGrath highlighted:

  • The deal acknowledges the Paris Agreement and provides incremental encouragement to move away from fossil fuels.
  • Pledges to triple adaptation finance for developing nations by 2035.
  • Major disappointments: no roadmap for ending fossil fuel use or deforestation.
  • “There are big things missing... a lot of countries had hoped there would be a roadmap in this and a plan of intention to move away from coal, oil and gas, and also a roadmap on ending deforestation.” [05:04]

• On COP’s Relevance

  • McGrath: “The COP I don't think is quite fit for purpose at this point.” [06:26]
  • The summit was described as “last minute struggle” with intense late-night negotiations.
  • Host city Belem, deeply impacted by climate change, was chosen to highlight climate realities.
  • “[COP] does keep rolling on. And eventually, small bit by small bit, progress is made. But they may be running into the realities of the world as it is right now and not the world as it was 10 years ago.” [08:40]

2. Ukraine Rejects Trump Peace Plan

• [10:08] The Ukrainian government dismissed President Trump’s proposed peace deal with Russia, citing concerns over sovereignty and justice for aggression.

  • Maria Ionova, Ukrainian MP: “How you would like me as a member of the parliament to explain that we have to pardon Russians and that will not be a justice. So it's really very complicated question for our society.” [10:36]

• Upcoming Talks

  • Ukraine set to hold talks with the US in Switzerland to discuss the plan further.
  • Many in Europe perceive the US proposal as overly favorable to Russia, requiring unacceptable Ukrainian concessions such as ceding territory and military downsizing.

• US Diplomatic Dynamics

  • Sean Dilley, North America Correspondent: “There's the diplomatic language, but they're concerned that there would be far too much in relation to Ukraine having to surrender parts of its border. They say there can be no question of that happening...” [12:45]

• US Role Explained

  • US intelligence and arms support is deemed vital for Ukraine’s defense.
  • President Trump’s claims about resolving the conflict quickly have prompted skepticism, especially as European and other allies assert their own security interests.

3. US Military Escalations & Tensions in Venezuela

• [16:07] US increased military activity in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, with 21 strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats since September, resulting in at least 83 deaths.

  • Concerns raised about possible breaches of international law and civilian casualties.
  • US actions interpreted by some as an attempt to destabilize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

• Human Impact

  • Families of missing Colombian fishermen voice frustration and fear over US operations.
  • Lisbeth Perez, family member: “The truth is that we don't know it was him. We want them to clarify that for us. What the president of the United States is doing is not right. He has to prove whether they are or aren't drug traffickers.” [17:56]

• Legal and Political Analysis

  • Daniel Kovalik, lawyer: “Even if you claim that people you are killing are trafficking in drugs, you don't have the right to just engage in extrajudicial killings of them, right? ...those people should be arrested.” [19:39]
  • The US is planning to designate Maduro’s government as a terrorist organization.

• Airlines Suspend Flights

  • Luis Fajardo, BBC Mundo: Several airlines suspend flights to Venezuela due to safety risks related to US and Venezuelan military activity.
  • The US’s motives are debated—counter-narcotics vs. regime change interests, with possible domestic political calculations at play. [22:40]

4. Ceasefire in Gaza: An Uneasy Reality

• [25:33] Despite an official ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian casualties continue in Gaza.

  • Over 300 Palestinians killed during the six-week ceasefire period per the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

• Analysis

  • John Donnison, BBC Jerusalem: “The ceasefire in place in Gaza ... the firing has not ceased. And we saw more examples of that with heavy airstrikes across much of the Gaza Strip.” [25:48]
  • The ceasefire, largely credited to Trump's push and a UN resolution, has little clarity regarding the next steps—aid, disarmament, or governance in Gaza.

• Question of Ceasefire’s Substance

  • “If the ceasefire is holding, it's a pretty fragile one.” [27:23]
  • Although prisoner and hostage exchanges have occurred, a permanent settlement remains elusive.

5. Obituary: Paul Costello—Princess Diana’s Designer

• [29:08] Celebrated fashion designer Paul Costello dies at age 80.
  • Rose from humble beginnings in Dublin to international recognition, dressing Princess Diana from 1983 until her death.
  • Costello: “For a long time I was a skeleton until eventually my work started selling. But it was a very good learning curve and it made me very aware of what is good and what is bad in fashion.” [30:45]
  • Designed for major clients such as British Airways and Olympic teams.

6. Brazil: Bolsonaro Re-arrested Amid Coup Case

• [33:22] Former President Jair Bolsonaro, convicted for plotting a coup earlier in the year, was re-arrested for allegedly tampering with his electronic ankle monitor.
  • Prosecution suggests he is a flight risk, with his home near the US embassy and documents hinting at escape planning.
  • Division in public and political response, with right-wing supporters claiming political persecution.

7. Titanic Watch Auction: A Piece of History

• [36:00] Isadore Strauss’s gold pocket watch from the Titanic fetches $2.3 million at auction.

  • The watch stopped at exactly 2:20am, coinciding with the ship’s sinking time.

• Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge: “She took her fur coat off, gave it to her maid to keep her warm... and obviously Isidor and Ida literally go down in history.” [37:42]

8. Breakthroughs in Monarch Butterfly Tracking

• [39:05] Scientists have successfully tracked monarch butterflies’ migration in real time using tiny solar-powered transmitters.
  • Michael Lanzone, Tracking Technologies: Describes using eyelash glue to attach the transmitter: “Who knew, you know, active eyelash [glue]. It was developed for extreme environments.” [40:01]
  • Prof. Chip Taylor, University of Kansas: “They are able to correct in remarkable ways ... it's testimony that this whole system works.” [41:10]
  • Lanzone on the breakthrough: “Seeing real time data from a monarch butterfly flying down the eastern coast, I was almost in tears. It was one of the most amazing things I had ever seen.” [43:07]

Notable Quotes

• Tom Rivett-Carnac (COP30/UN Strategist), on US absence:

  “When you have a United States fully engaged... you can get countries like Saudi Arabia actually moving forward... This year... [with] Trump in the White House... I’m honestly quite pleased that at least multilateralism is still moving forward...” [03:19]

• Matt McGrath (BBC Climate Correspondent):

  “There are big things missing... a lot of countries had hoped there would be a roadmap in this and a plan of intention, if you like, to move away from coal, oil and gas, and also a roadmap on ending deforestation. Neither of those things are in this plan.” [05:04]

• Maria Ionova (Ukrainian MP):

  “How you would like me as a member of the parliament to explain that we have to pardon Russians and that will not be a justice. So it's really very complicated question for our society.” [10:36]

• Daniel Kovalik (lawyer, Colombia segment):

  “Even if you claim that people you are killing are trafficking in drugs, you don't have the right to just engage in extrajudicial killings of them...” [19:39]

• Michael Lanzone (butterfly tracking):

  “Seeing real time data from a monarch butterfly flying down the eastern coast, I was almost in tears. It was one of the most amazing things I had ever seen.” [43:07]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [02:05] – COP30 deal outcome
• [03:19] – Tom Rivett-Carnac on US absence at COP
• [05:04] – Matt McGrath on COP30’s missing elements
• [10:08] – Ukraine’s response to the Trump peace plan
• [12:45] – European diplomatic concerns, Sean Dilley
• [16:07] – US military strikes in Caribbean/Venezuela
• [17:56] – Colombian families’ reaction to US actions
• [19:39] – Legal concerns about US strikes, Daniel Kovalik
• [22:40] – Airlines suspend flights to Venezuela, Luis Fajardo
• [25:33] – Ceasefire in Gaza updates
• [29:08] – Obituary: Paul Costello
• [33:22] – Bolsonaro rearrested in Brazil
• [36:00] – Titanic watch auction
• [39:05] – Monarch butterfly migration tracking

Tone and Style

The reporting throughout the episode is direct, informative, and objective, occasionally augmented by somber or reflective moments (notably in obituaries and scientific breakthroughs). Quotes and expert insights preserve the original language and sentiment, ensuring authenticity.

Conclusion

This episode delivers incisive coverage on global governance and conflict—from climate policy shortcomings at COP30, to urgent matters in Ukraine, Venezuela, and Gaza, to moments of history, loss, and scientific wonder. For listeners, it’s a rich encapsulation of the week’s defining international stories with expert voices and memorable narratives.