The 29th United Nations climate change conference, COP29, commenced on November 11, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, drawing approximately 53,000 attendees. This year's summit focuses on climate justice, particularly the financial aid needed for vulnerable nations to adapt to and recover from climate impacts. During the first week of the conference, significant headlines emerged as numerous countries presented their plans and commitments, alongside debates over funding, carbon trading, and various environmental strategies. Here's what happened during the first week of COP29.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
On day two of the summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK’s commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035, using 1990 levels as the baseline. Greenpeace hailed this announcement, indicating the UK's readiness to take the lead on climate initiatives. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Environment director stressed plans to implement greenhouse gas reduction strategies at the provincial level, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060 or earlier. Brazil has also upgraded its emissions reduction target, now aiming for 59%-67% cuts by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
They weren’t the only countries making pledges. The United Arab Emirates announced plans to reduce emissions by 47% by 2035 compared to 2019, though critics noted these targets still fell short of the necessary goals aligned with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target.
Carbon Trading and Article 6
COP29 saw fast-tracked progress on establishing a centralized carbon trading mechanism outlined under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. This new global carbon market will allow countries and corporations to trade emission credits under UN supervision. Although this move was welcomed as significant progress, concerns lingered about the lack of clarity on implementation methodologies. Critics argued the rules were adopted hastily, without adequate discussion—a sentiment echoed by Isa Mulder from Carbon Market Watch, who remarked, "Kicking off COP29 with a backdoor deal ... sets a poor precedent for transparency and proper governance."
Simultaneously, the Integrity Council approved three methodologies for REDD+ initiatives, focusing on creating high-integrity carbon credits to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. This could potentially redirect funds toward natural climate solutions, encouraging greater participation from developing nations.
Methane Emissions
A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted alarmingly low responses from governments and corporations concerning methane emissions. Despite the adoption of pledges to reduce methane leaks, only over 1% of the relevant parties have effectively acted on these commitments. An evaluation by Carbon Tracker reinforced this, pinpointing the oil and gas industry's struggles to establish strict targets for curbing all methane emissions across their operations.
Even the agriculture industry faced scrutiny. A study from the Changing Markets Foundation detailed inadequate national strategies for methane reduction, particularly from major meat and dairy corporations, underscoring the reliance on supply-side solutions rather than mandatory reductions.
Climate Finance Challenges
The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) negotiations revealed vast discrepancies between what rich nations are willing to contribute versus what developing nations demand. There's a shared front among developing countries advocating for $1.3 trillion per year to effectively combat climate change, contrasting sharply with the U.S. and Canada’s proposal for around $100 billion annually. Observers are noting the stagnation on developing this financial goal might lead to stagnation on other key issues.
Debates about the connection between climate finance and biodiversity continued throughout the week. The proceedings revealed significant disagreement on how to consolidate climate funding, especially considering the urgency for many vulnerable nations grappling with the effects of climate change.
Adapting Gender Policies
Gender-related negotiations also faced hurdles. Established under the Lima Work Programme, the policies aimed at enhancing gender-responsive climate actions were stymied by disagreements over human rights language and financial allocations to address gender disparities. Observers noted the involvement of socially conservative nations, such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as primary blocks to effective progression on these issues.
Problems intensified as countries continued debating potential compromises, with fears of extending these discussions beyond COP29. Conflict over priorities led to concerns voiced by the African group of negotiators about the pacing of progression, particularly over the financial packages being demanded by developing nations.
Looking Ahead at COP29
With the first week now behind, COP29 leaders expressed cautious optimism about finding suitable compromises. The COP president, Mukhtar Babayev, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "Success does not depend on one country or party alone; it requires all of us." Yet, distractions during the first week—such as remarks from the host country’s president, Ilham Aliyev, who called fossil fuels “a gift from the Gods”—interfered with substantive negotiations and drew backlash from the global community.
The second week promises increased involvement from top government officials, and discussions are set to intensify as countries, including those from the Group of 20, weigh in on significant climate challenges.
Activists have also noted the shrinking space for civil engagement at COP, highlighting the need for genuine dialogues between leaders and citizens as the climate crisis intensifies. The week’s developments remind us of the challenges still faced and the work needed to achieve meaningful climate action.
