Delegates from almost 200 countries have assembled in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference, which runs from November 11 to November 22 this year. This gathering follows last year's COP28, which put significant emphasis on transitioning away from fossil fuels. COP29 is expected to address pressing issues, including the need for increased financial support for developing nations as they face the realities of climate change.
The connection between global climate commitments and national politics is particularly pronounced this year. With Donald Trump winning the presidential election just days before the conference, concerns over U.S. involvement and commitment to international climate agreements resurface. Trump has indicated intentions to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement again, which he previously exited during his first term, casting doubts on the future of U.S. leadership in climate negotiations.
Joe Biden's administration had sought to reestablish U.S. involvement after rejoining the Paris Agreement and promoting ambitious climate legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. U.S. Climate Envoy John Podesta remains optimistic, stating at the conference opening, "We will continue to reduce emissions, benefiting our own country and benefiting the world." He highlighted how these climate efforts are being embraced even by Republican leaders, which complicates potential efforts for repeal under Trump’s administration.
Despite this optimism, COP29 has opened under the shadow of Trump's return, raising fears among many delegates about the U.S. retreating from climate obligations. Countries will be sharing their updated national climate plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to outline how they will meet emissions reduction goals. Yet the U.S.'s future stance on these commitments remains uncertain under forthcoming Republican leadership.
This uncertainty looms large, especially for developing nations who rely on the wealthier countries for financial aid to mitigate climate impacts. The effects of climate change have been especially harsh, with predictions indicating severe consequences if efforts to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius are not met. An alarming report from the U.N. has stated the world is heading toward exceeding this limit, warning of devastating impacts to ecosystems, economies, and human populations alike.
The conference, taking place against the backdrop of looming climate catastrophe, has seen discussions shift to urgent financing needs. Reports indicate developing countries require trillions of dollars to build resilient infrastructures capable of withstanding climate impacts and transitioning to green energy sources. The expectation is for wealthier nations to step up and provide this much-needed financial support.
Attendees at COP29 include notable figures like U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Yet, participation seems sparse compared to previous years, with several prominent leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva, deciding not to attend, pointing to broader discontent with the global climate agenda's progress.
One notable attendance is from the Taliban administration of Afghanistan, underscoring the reality of climate change as it poses significant threats to nations vulnerable to severe weather events and agricultural disruptions due to changing climate conditions. Afghanistan has suffered from extreme droughts and floods, making international support for climate adaptation even more pertinent.
Beyond the financial discussions, COP29 will explore advancing international cooperation on emissions reductions through frameworks like carbon markets. Participants are eager to solidify methods for accountability and tracking emission reductions among participating nations, which would represent another form of collaborative effort to address global warming.
Expectations are set high for what could come out of this year's summit. While challenges loom due to the political climate—especially with Trump back in power—many are hopeful for the durability of commitments and the spirit of international collaboration on climate action. Looking toward COP30, to be hosted next year in Brazil under President Lula's administration—a leader seen as more committed to bold climate action—the sense of urgency at COP29 establishes the groundwork for future global efforts.
