Nations 'still far' from deal at UN climate talks

France's environment minister said Wednesday that governments remain far from reaching a deal at U.N. climate talks in Brazil, but she was nonetheless "more optimistic" than the day before.

COP30 host Brazil released a draft deal Tuesday, hoping to get nations to agree on the most contentious points as soon as Wednesday, two days before the conference is scheduled to end in Belem.

"No, there will not be a COP decision today (Wednesday). I don't see how that could happen," French ecological transition minister Monique Barbut told AFP.

"However, yes, there is a little bit of movement. But we are still far from the mark because for us, it must be a comprehensive package," Barbut said after a coordination meeting with European colleagues.

She added, however, that she was "more optimistic" than she was the day before.

The text must bridge wide gaps on developed countries' financial commitments, "unilateral" trade measures and the phaseout of fossil fuels.

A new text is due to be published on Wednesday.

European nations have rejected calls from developing nations to step up their commitments on climate finance.

"We're not looking at any increases in adaptation finance," Irish climate minister Darragh O'Brien said.