On November 12, the city of Baku, Azerbaijan, welcomed global leaders for the Climate Action Summit, kicking off the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP29. This pivotal gathering drew attention to the pressing need for climate funding and decisive action against global warming, amid rising humanitarian and geopolitical crises.
European Council President Charles Michel represented the European Union at the event and underscored the urgency of collective responsibility to address the climate crisis. Michel emphasized the necessity of establishing an ambitious new collective quantified goal to benefit all nations, especially focusing on the need to diversify the donor base contributing to global climate finance. He stated, “The world is on a knife-edge: Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the war in Gaza and the tragic crisis in the Middle East… Violent imperialism and collective punishment are poisons.”
Notably, he highlighted the substantial commitment the EU made to climate finance, stating, “We contributed €28.6 billion this year and encourage others to follow suit.” He urged action, declaring, “We must choose the survival instinct over collective suicide.” The summit had notable attendees, including President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus.
Reflecting on the state's significance as host, President Aliyev described Azerbaijan’s oil and natural resources as gifts from God, emphasizing their role rather than judging the country based on its resource management. “Let me repeat: oil and gas are gifts of God,” he reiterated during his speech, asserting the need to assess nations by their use of natural resources.
Despite the ambitious discussions, the summit faced significant challenges marked by the absence of key leaders from major emitting countries. Notable absentees included Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside leaders from Germany and Brazil. Climate scientist Bill Hare voiced concerns, stating, “It’s symptomatic of the lack of political will to act. There’s no sense of urgency.”
Nevertheless, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and chief negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev expressed optimism. He remarked, “Success doesn’t depend on one country alone. Unless all countries can slash emissions deeply, every country and household will be hammered harder than they currently are.” This sentiment reflects the broader consensus at COP29; it was clear the success of the negotiations hinges on the collective resolve of all nations.
The core agenda of COP29 centers around seeking enhanced climate funding for developing nations, with advocates pushing for increasing the current annual pledge of $100 billion to tenfold. Many developing countries warn they cannot set ambitious targets without adequate funding. With nations gearing up for their climate updates due next year, the need for financial support is more urgent than ever.
Alongside funding challenges, the urgency for action echoed across discussions, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reminding attendees of the ticking clock against climate change. He articulated, “We are in the final countdown to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” cautioning, “Time is not on our side.” Guterres’s remarks emphasized the legal obligation under the Paris Agreement to maintain temperature limits, which now appears increasingly difficult to achieve.
Meanwhile, leaders grappled with financing issues, as President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso pointed out the necessity for the new collective goal to address scientific data and the unique needs of developing nations. He called for financing upwards of $1 trillion to effectively manage climate impacts, stressing the importance of “climate justice and the just transition.”
Azerbaijan's position as host, amid its vast oil reserves estimated at 7 billion barrels, posed questions about the nation’s commitment to climate action, especially when contrasted against its reliance on fossil fuels. Critics have raised concerns about the seriousness of Azerbaijan's climate strategy, especially if the country is expected to lead discussions on reducing fossil fuel dependence.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, one of the prominent leaders present, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035. While many western allies were absent, he stressed Britain's role as a climate leader saying, “I’ve had several meetings here at COP this week because this government recognizes the world stands at a key moment.”
Starmer's remarks reflect the broader expectations placed on nations to lead by example, with political movements emphasizing the need for collective action to tackle pressing environmental challenges. The conversations at COP29 serve as both warnings of the risks posed by climate change and as clarion calls for cohesive strategies to meet existing commitments.
Meanwhile, the backdrop of geopolitical tensions continues to influence global climate talks. The absence of leaders from top carbon-emitting nations not only reflects individual countries’ political climates but also signifies the broader struggles facing international cooperation. Without participation from key players, achieving impactful outcomes during COP29 remains precarious.
While COP29 is still underway, the challenges it faces highlight the uphill battle against climate change. The discussions encapsulate the need for unity, innovation, and immediate action to forge pathways to sustainable practices. The summit is seen as integral to ensuring climate finance is both adequate and accessible to the nations most impacted by the ravages of climate change.
The outcomes of this summit could set the tone for future negotiations, as countries prepare to submit their updated climate strategies. Whether the rallying cries for climate action translate to meaningful investments and policies will be put to the ultimate test as the global community faces the climate crisis head-on. Only time will tell if COP29 will serve not just as another summit full of discussions but as a turning point for global climate action toward the future of our planet.
