A group of representatives from multiple countries, wearing formal attire, lifts their joined hands. They stand behind a table that reads "COP30, Brazil".

A group of international representatives celebrates the announcement of the First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, scheduled to take place in April 2026.

Julia Simon


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Julia Simon

Many countries are frustrated with U.N. climate conferences. While some countries urgently want to transition away from fossil fuels — the main driver of global warming — others are blocking that language from climate agreements.

Today on the show, Emily talks with Julia Simon from NPR’s climate desk. She takes us to Brazil and introduces us to a group of countries that are trying something new.

Interested in more science and climate related news? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.

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This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez and Sadie Babits. Julia Simon and Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Jimmy Keeley, with thanks to Ko Takasugi-Czernowin.