Countries around the world gathered for COP29, the latest climate summit, held this year in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference focused on negotiating climate finance for developing nations, with discussions drawing worldwide attention as advocates pressed for greater commitments to combat climate change. The event showcased heartfelt speeches, diplomatic tensions, and groundbreaking financial pledges, culminating in moments fraught with emotion and urgency.
More than 55,000 people attended the COP29 summit, including government negotiators, business representatives, activists, and journalists, during its two-week duration. Into this gathering stepped approximately 105 heads of state and government, setting the stage for intense dialogue and the exchange of ideas about urgent climate action. Simon Stiell, the UNFCCC Executive Secretary, opened the summit with strong words on the climate crisis's immediacy, but the host nation's President Ilham Aliyev countered with praise for fossil fuels, dubbing them "a gift from God." This immediately set the tone for contentious discussions.
Throughout the event, negotiators worked to establish the next climate finance target, replacing the expiring $100 billion yearly commitment established during COP15. Progress, unfortunately, was slow, with developed nations hesitant to present concrete financial contributions. After days of negotiation, tensions escalated, particularly among developing countries, who were disappointed by the lack of progress. By the summit's end, negotiators from small island states and the world's most impoverished nations expressed their discontent by walking out after deeming the financial proposals too limited.
The contentious discussions over climate finance reached their zenith on the final day when, after significant internal deliberation, the parties agreed on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) of $300 billion annually by 2035. This figure was perceived as inadequate by many, sparking frustration and disbelief among delegates. During one press conference, Bolivia’s chief negotiator Diego Pacheco challenged the representatives of wealthier nations: "Is it a joke?" His lighthearted query, met with applause, later became emblematic of the frustration surrounding the negotiations, highlighting the disparity between need and offer.
More pivotal moments characterized COP29, including tears and powerful personal accounts. Stiell made the emotional point to humanize the impacts of climate change by sharing the heart-wrenching story of his elderly neighbor, Florence, whose home had been ravaged by hurricanes. His display served as poignant evidence of how real people suffer from climate action failures.
The second day saw President Aliyev attempting to divert conversations toward fossil fuels, igniting confrontations with representatives from nations calling for renewable energy commitments. His insistence on presenting fossil fuel investments as not just beneficial but blessed created ripples of criticism across the conference floor, culminating in diplomatic spats with countries such as France.
These tensions were laid bare during discussions when negotiators from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group expressed frustration at being excluded from significant conversations. After learning the draft agreement had progressed without their input, LDC representative Evans Njewa declared, "We are not ready to associate with this paper." This stand led to multiple delegations exiting negotiations, signifying their dissatisfaction with the inadequate financial provisions.
The debate over the quality and quantity of climate finance revealed the underlying contentiousness of global negotiations. Observers noted the disappointing standoff, where climate-environment advocates were left feeling insulted by what they perceived as inadequate support from wealthier nations. Reactions from civil society were intense. Namrata Chowdhary from 350.org expressed utter dismay, commenting on the folly of bargaining with the lives of vulnerable global communities. The student protests outside bespeaking widespread anger offered glimpses of the enormity of public interest tied to these negotiations.
Despite the turmoil, significant outcomes did emerge. The final draft recognized the importance of tripling the amount of climate finance channeled through multilateral funds like the Green Climate Fund, reflecting the mounting pressure on wealthier nations to manifest their commitments through tangible actions. Further, ambitious goals set by countries like Brazil for future escalations of climate finance aimed to bolster commitments beyond COP29.
Many delegates and experts were left awaiting clarity from developed nations on the new funding objectives. Concerns were raised about the political will necessary to realize the proposed financial goals, with observers cautioning against the likelihood of the key agenda items pushing off until COP30. Yet, the takeaway from Baku was the stark reminder of the urgency for immediate action, and climate justice advocates expressed hope for breakthroughs at future summits.
The delayed outcomes of COP29 intensified calls for wider commitments from nations globally, with activists urging leaders not to see the climate agenda as optional but as integral to national and global security. The next conference, COP30, slated to occur in Brazil, is being dubbed the last chance to avert irreversible climate disaster and will require cross-national, cross-party efforts for success.
So, with COP29 wrapped up, the world watches to see how promises made in Baku translate to real-world change, asking whether leaders will meet their commitments to protect vulnerable populations from the consequences of climate change. If the recent past is any indication, it’s clear the pressure will remain on governments to act decisively, proving their words translate to initiatives and investments before it’s too late.
