During the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, which is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, Argentina made headlines for all the wrong reasons. On November 13, President Javier Milei directed his country’s representatives to withdraw from the summit after just two days of participation. This abrupt decision stunned delegates and observers who had expected Argentina to play its usual role as an active participant in international climate negotiations.
Following the order from Milei, at least three officials from both the Foreign Ministry and the Tourism Ministry received what was described as a "non-negotiable" mandate to halt all activities at the conference and return to Argentina immediately. The Foreign Ministry’s sudden move raised eyebrows as it came without any formal explanation, leaving many to speculate about the underlying intentions. Reports indicate the provincial representatives, who travelled to the conference separately, were allowed to remain and continue their participation, yet no clarity was offered on why they were treated differently.
Environmental advocates have voiced concern over Argentina’s withdrawal. Andrés Nápoli, the executive director of the Argentine environmental nonprofit FARN, highlighted the historical significance of Argentina’s proactive stance on climate issues. He remarked, "This decision is unprecedented and signifies a change in direction. This won’t be innocuous; it will have consequences for Argentina, and they likely won’t be positive." Milei's political stance, wherein he openly dismisses climate change as nonexistent, amplifies concerns about the country’s future engagement with climate issues.
Before becoming president, Milei had made headlines for labeling the climate crisis as part of a "socialist agenda." His remarks at the UN General Assembly criticized international agreements aimed at sustainable development as collectivist traps. Such rhetoric has fueled fears about Argentina’s long-term commitment to global climate initiatives, particularly the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise.
COP29 is significant this year due to its primary focus on climate finance, seeking to establish new global financial targets to assist nations grappling with climate impacts. During the conference, nations are expected to negotiate ways to meet the existing US$100 billion goal set to expire by 2025. Observers note Argentina’s abrupt retreat from discussions might weaken its negotiating power, especially during such high-stakes discussions.
The fallout from Milei's decision is magnified by international political dynamics. Coincidentally, just days before the withdrawal, Milei had conversed with Donald Trump, the newly re-elected US president. Trump's return to power raises the possibility of the US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement once again, as he had done during his first term. Speculation abounds around how this connection between Milei and Trump could influence Argentina’s stance on climate commitments.
While Argentina grapples with its international climate strategy, neighboring countries like Brazil are taking significant steps toward reinforcing their environmental commitments. Brazil recently submitted its climate action plan for 2035, aiming to reduce its emissions significantly compared to previous levels. With Brazil moving forward on climate initiatives, climate advocates are becoming increasingly concerned about Argentina’s position, fearing it may lag behind its regional counterparts.
Climatologists and policy experts implore attention to the broader implications of Argentina’s withdrawal and Milei’s overall climate stance. The Citizens’ Association for Human Rights, which actively participated in negotiations at COP29, lamented the missed opportunities, underscoring how previously Argentina championed gender issues within climate change frameworks. Their spokesperson stated, "It is disheartening to witness Argentina’s absence at such trying times, especially when it used to lead the discourse on these subjects."
Experts have warned Argentina’s exit could diminish its ability to influence climate policy and secure necessary resources for adaptation plans. Carla Chavarria, a climate change management professional, remarked on social media, “By removing itself from COP29, Argentina is losing its voice at the negotiating table, especially at this pivotal moment for climate finance.”
With COP29 continuing without Argentina’s direct input, international climate negotiators will be watching closely. The dynamics of global climate politics are continuously shifting, with changes on one side prompting responses from another.
Argentina’s withdrawal, orchestrated by the administration of Javier Milei, not only raises questions about the country's future role on the world stage but also places much attention on how domestic politics can shape international agreements on the climate crisis. The coming weeks will likely shed more light on how Argentina chooses to navigate its climate commitments and what this means for South America’s broader environmental policies.
