The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. This annual meeting gathers world leaders, diplomats, climate scientists, and environmental activists from around the globe to discuss climate action and mitigation strategies aimed at addressing the escalating climate crisis. Their focus is primarily on achieving agreements that can help rein in rising global temperatures, alongside discussions about climate financing, especially for developing nations.
One significant aspect of COP29 revolves around financial assistance for poorer countries. These nations are seeking ways to curb their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, which are impacting vulnerable populations worldwide. To enhance momentum for climate action, many delegates are advocating for a more structured approach to include financial commitments that target global warming, particularly under the Paris Agreement’s original framework. This issue of climate finance has become urgent, as developing nations and small island states are demanding a yearly climate finance goal of over $1 trillion by 2030.
Nonetheless, the choice of Azerbaijan as the host nation has faced scrutiny. Critics argue that Azerbaijan’s ongoing partnerships with the oil and gas industries contradict the very goals of COP29, which seeks to transition away from fossil fuels. This controversy is compounded by President Ilham Aliyev’s comments that emphasize oil and gas as “gifts of God,” which raised eyebrows during discussions on minimizing fossil fuel dependency.
Adding to the complexity of COP29 is the influence of the recent United States elections. Donald Trump’s victory is significant owing to his history as a climate skeptic, having previously labeled renewable energy initiatives as a fraud. Although President Biden’s administration will be represented at COP29, experts believe that any agreements reached may lack binding credibility due to the possible shift in U.S. climate policy under Trump’s leadership. As such, COP29 is seen as a potential setback for global climate efforts, as Trump’s administration might favor withdrawing from the Paris Agreement once more.
Despite the alarming political climate, around 40,000 to 50,000 delegates from UN member states and organizations are expected to participate in COP29. Notably absent from the talks are leaders from some of the world’s largest economies and carbon emitters, including U.S. President Joe Biden, China’s Xi Jinping, and France’s Emmanuel Macron. Their absence raises concerns over the effectiveness of the conference and could diminish the estimated impacts it may achieve. Oxford University’s Prof. Thomas Hale indicates that the lack of focus on climate change by influential leaders may affect the gathering’s outcomes.
Discussions at COP29 will address not only climate financing but also governmental action plans for climate change. Countries are obliged to submit updated strategies every five years, a requirement that ensures accountability. The deadline for submitting new plans is approaching in February 2025, and reactions to the strategies presented at COP29 will be closely monitored. Weak plans that fail to stop global warming could result in backlash from nations most adversely affected by climate issues.
The forecasts for 2024 create an urgent backdrop for COP29. With the year projected to become the warmest on record, severe weather events, including intense heatwaves and destructive storms, are increasingly attributed to climate change. The ongoing impacts include devastating floods worldwide, highlighting the immediate need for effective action.
Ultimately, the conversations at COP29 have the potential to shape international energy policies, contributing to a shift toward greener energy infrastructures while creating financial obligations for wealthier nations to assist those less capable of managing climate adaptation initiatives. Although immediate agreements may affect energy costs and financial responsibilities, the long-term aim remains focused on building a more resilient and sustainable world for future generations. As climate change continues to present monumental challenges, global leaders must contend with both their policy approaches and the pressing realities on the ground through conferences like COP29.
