At the heart of climate activism this month lies the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as COP29, hosted amid the sprawling backdrop of Baku, Azerbaijan. Yet, instead of uniting voices for urgent climate action, this year’s conference is marred by mounting frustration over restrictions and the perceived prioritization of fossil fuel interests. Prominent figures from the scientific and political arenas have raised their voices, calling on the UN to enforce stricter rules preventing nations antagonistic to fossil fuel phase-outs from hosting such pivotal discussions.
On November 15, 2024, the coalition, “Kick Big Polluters Out,” comprised of several influential organizations like Transparency International and Greenpeace, made public its concerns through an open letter targeting Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Chief. The letter, published during the festivities of COP29, demands the implementation of strict admission criteria for potential host countries. The coalition’s recent analysis unveiled staggering figures—over 1,773 lobbyists from the oil, gas, and coal sectors were officially accredited to attend the climate talks.
The backdrop of Azerbaijan hosting COP29 is particularly contentious. The country is no stranger to criticism; it is labeled as having authoritarian governance and massively relies on its oil and gas sector—90% of its export economy. This dubious distinction has prompted calls for the UN to reconsider the selection of nations hosting climate talks when they themselves have significant investments or interests at stake tied to fossil fuel production.
The atmosphere at COP29 has been indicative of the deepening divide among activists seeking changes and the reality of the situation on the ground. The frustrations of environmental activists have been palpable. During recent protests, trailblazers such as Bianca Castro, who has participated in numerous COPs, lamented the watered-down visibility and impact of their actions, stating, “It’s really hard to make our demands heard.” This year, activists faced extensive limitations on where they could gather and what they could shout—much to the dismay of those who have experienced the liveliness of past climate gatherings.
Indeed, encounters this year have been starkly different. Many protestors expressed feelings of hopelessness, claiming they increasingly see obstacles mounting against their voices. The UN has stated its commitment to facilitate communication spaces for dialogue but maintains it has remained consistent with its conduct code, asserting no changes were made to how it handles protests and demonstrations.
The sentiment of confinement echoes throughout the venue; activists wearing badges of hope felt more isolated than engaged. They strongly believe the trends lean toward stifling dissenting opinions and limit civil society's capacity to mobilize effectively. More than ever, many communities have resorted to underground strategies to prepare for possible demonstrations, accentuating the sense of insecurity felt by many participants.
A recent study revealed the contradictions evident at the Baku conference. Just outside the venue's fortress-like walls, activists gathered their creativity and resilience, crafting messages demanding accountability and action. One such protest saw participants displaying the words “Pay Up,” highlighting the urgent demand for financial contributions to global climate initiatives from wealthier nations.
At COP29, the theme remains underscored by the need for finance, especially as activists from the Global South look to bring pressing issues to the fore. Rachitaa Gupta, representing organizations advocating for climate justice, emphasizes the necessity of highlighting financial imbalances and historical injustices affecting poorer communities impacted by climate change. Despite the inherent difficulties, these voices remain unwavering and insistent on demanding concrete action. “We do feel the restrictions have reached a stage where it’s a constant battle on what we can say,” Gupta noted, stressing the increasing limits imposed by the UNFCCC’s guidelines.
It begs the question: how are participants expected to share their narratives and experiences if they are not allowed to name specific countries or corporations? Activists feel trapped by the framework within which they can operate, and the frustration over this stifling of free expression becomes exponential.
Meanwhile, across the Baku skyline, hidden from the prying eyes of security, voices of dissent have found refuge. Artivist Network’s coordinator, Amalen Sathananthar, pointed out the shift from public art spaces to private sessions, where creativity can flow without fear of repercussions. A new generation of youth is using these platforms to express their concerns innovatively, repurposing banners and props to advocate for climate action without directly confronting named entities.
Their artistry embodies both resistance and resourcefulness; when confronted with rules barring certain forms of protest, these artists channel their energy to create visual symbolism. The protest pieces, like the larger-than-life snake—bearing the slogan “Weed Out the Snakes”—underscore the demand for the removal of big polluters from global discussions about climate action. Jax Bongon, part of the Kick Big Polluters Out team, expressed the absurdity: “Would you invite an arsonist to put out the fire?” It presents valid parallels: the climate emergency and the alarming involvement of those interested primarily in maintaining the status quo.
While COP29 carries the weight of responsibility, it’s evident through the voices of activists and their bold actions, even under tight constraints, the call for climate justice remains unwavering. The conference becomes not just about discussing strategies for financial support but also embodies the lived experiences of impacted communities—echoing their hopes, fears, and the world's dire need for action.
With Baku as the backdrop, the contests between fossil fuel interests and activist demands are poised to continue; the fate of climate negotiations hangs on how well these divergent narratives can render real impacts on the global stage. What remains clear, though, is the tenacity of those involved: whether through art, protest, or dialogue, the movement for sustainable futures cannot be silenced.
