COP29 Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) officially began on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This year’s conference takes place just a year after a historic agreement to move away from coal, oil, and gas, yet the summit arrives amid growing challenges in the global effort to combat climate change. As nations meet, the Earth is on track to experience its hottest year on record, marking a sobering backdrop to the talks.

Key Highlights

1. COP29 Objectives: The central aim of COP29 is to focus on financing climate action for developing countries, with leaders working to establish new funding targets to address climate change. Delegates are also expected to grapple with the unfulfilled commitments from last year’s climate negotiations, particularly regarding the transition away from fossil fuels.

2. Failure to Meet Targets: The United States, under President Joe Biden, had committed to reducing emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels, but the nation is currently producing more oil than ever. The country’s continued reliance on oil remains a point of contention, especially with President-elect Donald Trump likely to influence the climate policies moving forward. Biden’s absence from the summit and a limited delegation led by John D. Podesta, a senior adviser for international climate policy, underscore the strained dynamics.

3. Finance COP: This summit is being referred to as the “Finance COP”, highlighting the critical role of funding in achieving climate goals. Simon Stiell, the United Nations Executive Secretary for Climate Change, emphasized that without adequate financing, the world will struggle to meet the targets set under international climate agreements.

4. Challenges in Global Cooperation: Delegates at COP29 are focused on securing a new financial framework for climate action in the developing world. However, China, one of the leading emitters of greenhouse gases, has been reluctant to commit to ambitious climate targets. Experts suggest that commitments from China and the United States could have a domino effect, encouraging other nations to adopt stronger climate measures.

Key Developments and Concerns

1. Azerbaijan’s Role and Controversy: The conference is being held in Azerbaijan, a nation known for its extensive oil and gas production. The choice of Azerbaijan as the host has raised questions, with critics pointing to its human rights record and the country’s planned expansion of natural gas production. Ahead of the summit, social media bots were actively promoting Azerbaijan, while also facing scrutiny for its petrostate status and potential role in prolonging fossil fuel reliance.

2. Commitment to Emissions Reduction: COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev reminded attendees of the pledge to reduce fossil fuel dependence, highlighting the urgency of emissions-reduction plans that nations are expected to submit in the coming months. Babayev stressed that this is a “last chance” to keep the world on track towards achieving climate goals.