World leaders have gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, one of the most significant global climate summits, running from November 11 to 22. This year, discussions focus intensely on how to combat climate change with new funding commitments, especially for developing nations. But looming over these talks is the shadow cast by Donald Trump’s recent presidential election victory, raising questions about the sustainability of international climate agreements.
At the opening of the summit, John Podesta, the U.S. climate envoy, addressed concerns about the incoming administration's climate policies. "While the United States federal government under Donald Trump may put climate change action on the back burner, the work to contain climate change is going to continue," he asserted. Podesta emphasized the lesson drawn from the current political climate: climate action transcends political cycles, insisting, "This fight is bigger than one election, one political party." His remarks were intended to reaffirm U.S. commitments at the summit, even as Trump plans to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, which seeks to limit global temperature increases.
What is COP, you might wonder? COP stands for the “Conference of the Parties” and is attended by nations committed to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was established back in 1992. Its primary goal has been to coordinate international efforts to combat climate change. This year’s conference marks the 29th such meeting, making COP29 pivotal for global cooperation on climate issues.
Despite the stakes, notable absences at COP29, particularly among the leaders of major carbon-emitting nations like the United States, China, and India, have raised eyebrows. Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Joe Biden, who collectively represent over 70% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, are not attending, highlighting what some see as a concerning lack of urgency and commitment.
Such absentees, alongside prominent climate activists like Greta Thunberg, who denounced the summit's potential for "greenwashing," set the stage for skepticism around the effectiveness of COP29’s outcomes. Even with strong representation from nearly 200 countries, the lack of leadership from key figures casts doubt on the potential for breakthroughs at this summit.
On the first day, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned the audience: "We are in the final countdown to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and time is not on our side." The Paris Agreement seeks to keep global warming well below 2°C but has increasingly come under threat as 2024 looks to be another potentially record-breaking year for global temperatures, with rising predictions of up to 3.1°C without decisive action.
During the summit, discussions are not only focused on emissions but also on practical solutions for financing climate action, particularly for developing countries grappling with the effects of climate change. A pressing point of contention is whether to expand the current target of $100 billion annually for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Many countries advocate for this pledge to be increased tenfold as the cost of shifting to sustainable energy rises.
The issues relate directly back to whether developing nations can even muster the political will to set ambitious climate goals when facing stark economic realities. The negotiations around funding mechanisms are complicated and fraught, with many countries concerned about securing adequate support to transition effectively from fossil fuels.
But there’s more at stake here than just economics. COP29 is also spotlighting the ethical dimensions of climate debates, particularly concerning climate justice. Negotiations surrounding climate financing must not leave poorer nations "empty-handed"—a phrase emphasized by Secretary General Guterres as he lays down the imperative to protect vulnerable populations from climate-related disasters.
Climate activists remain hopeful, believing there's still potential for meaningful agreements to come out of COP29. They insist on the need for developed countries to expand their contributions to climate finance to facilitate the energy transition and adaptation strategies needed by developing nations, especially as they continue to bear the brunt of climate impacts.
Azerbaijan, the host of this year's conference, has its own complex relationship with fossil fuels. With oil and gas comprising over 90% of its exports, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev referred to these resources as "a gift from God," reflecting the nation’s reliance on fossil fuel revenues. Critics, including various NGOs, question how honest commitments to climate action can be made by the host, which stands to benefit from these very industries.
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK, has acknowledged the challenge but has promised bold action, committing the UK to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035, thereby setting higher benchmarks for developed nations. "This COP is about showing leadership, not just words but actions," he stated, emphasizing the need for larger economies to set clear examples—a sentiment echoed by many who advocate for urgent global climate response.
With over 51,000 attendees at COP29, the gathering continues to draw attention, not only for its political significance but also for the pressing need for practical solutions to pressing environmental challenges. While many leaders are absent, discussions around financing and equitable transitions dominate the agenda, making it apparent the outcome of this year's summit could significantly shape the path forward for global climate action.
COP29, as the world’s climate clock ticks louder, brings front and center the continuing urgent need for actionable and united efforts against climate change, amid shifting political landscapes and leadership commitments. With the clock ticking down to climate deadlines, the world watches to see how nations will reconcile their interests with the planet’s well-being at this pivotal juncture.
