COP29 Climate Summit Opens in Azerbaijan Amid Urgent Calls for Increased Climate Funding
Last Updated on November 12, 2024 2:19 pm
By Masum Billah
Baku, Azerbaijan – November 12, 2024 — The 29th United Nations climate conference (COP29) officially kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday, with high-stakes discussions set to dominate the next two weeks. As the world faces escalating climate challenges, particularly devastating weather events and record-breaking global temperatures, the spotlight at this year’s summit will be on securing ambitious financial commitments and fair climate action plans.
In his opening remarks, UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell urged world leaders to reaffirm their dedication to global climate cooperation, emphasizing that the stakes have never been higher. “Here in Baku, we must agree on a new global climate finance goal. If two-thirds of the world’s nations cannot afford to cut emissions quickly, then every nation will pay a brutal price,” Stiell warned, highlighting the deepening inequality in global climate efforts.
The conference is set against the backdrop of a turbulent year for climate politics. The re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump has added to global uncertainties, with Trump threatening to unwind the U.S. commitment to reducing carbon emissions, potentially undermining efforts to achieve international climate targets.
One of the key themes of the summit will be securing increased financial support for developing nations, many of which have been hit hardest by climate-related disasters. Developing countries are pushing for an increase in the $100 billion annual target for climate finance, with calls for these funds to be seen as a moral obligation rather than a charitable contribution.
The two-week event, which runs until November 22, 2024, is expected to see delegates from nearly 200 countries converge on Baku for critical talks. However, several prominent leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron, are notably absent from the summit, drawing attention to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Amid speculation over the attendance of Armenia, following strained relations with Azerbaijan since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenian officials have yet to confirm their participation. While Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that Armenia had been invited, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Konstanyan indicated that the decision is still pending, dependent on the outcome of peace negotiations and the return of prisoners.
Transportation in Baku has been significantly impacted by the event, with public transport routes adjusted and some schools and universities closed for the duration of the summit. This has sparked both praise and criticism, particularly as students in primary grades face disruptions, while high school students largely rely on private tutoring.
As the summit unfolds, the global community will be watching closely to see if COP29 can deliver the bold financial and policy commitments needed to tackle the climate crisis. The conference will serve as a critical moment in the fight against global warming and an opportunity to ensure that no nation is left behind in the battle to secure a sustainable future.