Janice R. Andrews
World leaders are gathering for the annual UN climate conference, hoping to address the rising global temperatures that have exacerbated devastating events like the recent floods in Spain. This year’s meeting in Azerbaijan will focus on how to provide more financial support to poorer nations in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.
However, the US election victory of climate skeptic Donald Trump, along with ongoing wars and economic crises, is overshadowing the conference. As a result, several key leaders are not attending, and Azerbaijan, the host country, is under intense scrutiny over its human rights record and potential fossil fuel deals tied to the conference.
What is COP29 and where is it held?
COP29, the 29th annual Conference of the Parties (COP), is the world’s most significant climate change event. Organized by the UN, it will take place from November 11-22 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, located between Russia and Iran in Central Asia.
What does COP stand for?
COP stands for “Conference of the Parties,” referring to the countries that have ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), signed in 1992 by nearly 200 countries. COP serves as the decision-making body for this agreement, with representatives meeting annually to discuss the best ways to combat climate change.
Who will attend COP29?
Typically, heads of state, such as presidents and prime ministers, play a key role in kicking off these conferences, but this year, several prominent leaders will be absent. Notably, US President Joe Biden, China’s Xi Jinping, France’s Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Germany’s Olaf Scholz, and India’s Narendra Modi will not be attending. The reasons vary, but their absence is seen as a blow to the conference’s momentum. Additionally, with ongoing conflicts like the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as global economic issues, climate change is not the top priority for many leaders.
Experts, including Prof. Thomas Hale from Oxford University, note that “no world leader is arriving with climate change at the number one spot in their inbox,” which weakens the conference’s chances for immediate breakthroughs. Some believe that tangible progress is more likely at COP30, which will be hosted by Brazil next year.
Key issues to be discussed at COP29
A primary focus of this year’s talks is financing. Under the Paris Agreement of 2015, world leaders committed to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A significant part of that effort includes financial aid for developing countries to cut emissions and adapt to climate change.
At COP29, negotiators will work on a new target for climate finance by 2025, aiming to help emerging economies address climate issues. However, this process has been slow, and there are concerns about the allocation of resources. African nations and small island states are pushing for climate finance to exceed $1 trillion annually by 2030. There are disagreements on whether emerging economies, including China and the Gulf States, should be required to contribute to the fund.
Additionally, governments will review their climate action plans, with some expected to release new strategies. If these plans are insufficient or fail to meet the 1.5°C target, it could lead to friction between countries most affected by climate change and those less vulnerable.
There is also concern that some countries may roll back on previous commitments to reduce fossil fuel use, particularly after the recent G20 summit, where several leaders signaled a reluctance to phase out oil, gas, and coal.
Why is holding COP29 in Azerbaijan controversial?
Azerbaijan, which plans to increase its gas production by a third in the coming decade, has raised concerns due to its reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major driver of climate change. The country’s growing interest in expanding its oil and gas industry seems at odds with the conference’s goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Moreover, there are reports suggesting that Azerbaijani officials might use the conference to attract investment in the country’s state-owned oil and gas company. There are also significant criticisms of Azerbaijan’s human rights record, including restrictions on political opposition, making it an unlikely venue for a global climate conference that champions inclusivity and progress.
How might Donald Trump’s election victory impact COP29?
Donald Trump’s election victory is a significant development for climate talks. As a well-known climate skeptic, Trump has previously dismissed efforts to promote green energy and even labeled climate change initiatives as a “scam.” Experts view his potential second term as a major setback for global climate progress.
Though Trump will not attend COP29, his victory will have far-reaching consequences for future climate policies. It is expected that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement again, which would diminish global efforts to address climate change. Moreover, Trump’s administration may reduce the country’s contributions to international climate finance.
Nevertheless, some experts argue that the urgency of the climate crisis will outlast Trump’s presidency, potentially galvanizing countries to form new coalitions to ensure continued action on climate change, regardless of the US stance.
What’s happening with the world’s climate this year?
The climate crisis is intensifying, with 2024 projected to be the hottest year on record, marked by extreme heatwaves and destructive storms. The global temperature rise is fueling more severe weather events, such as hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck the US in the summer, and deadly floods in Spain that killed at least 200 people. These events, compounded by higher sea temperatures, highlight the growing threats posed by climate change.
“Climate change is a cumulative problem,” says Prof. Joeri Rogelj from Imperial College London. “With every year of delay, additional warming is locked in for our planet. Now is the time to take action.”
How could COP29 affect you?
The outcomes of COP29 could have a direct impact on individuals worldwide, both in the short and long term. Immediate changes may include shifts in how nations develop their energy infrastructure, with a greater focus on renewable energy, which could affect energy costs. In the longer run, agreements reached at COP29 could contribute to a cleaner, safer planet, helping mitigate the most severe effects of climate change.
In addition, governments may commit significant funds to support poorer nations in tackling climate change, with the financial burden often falling on taxpayers through aid budgets, though private sector contributions are also expected to play a role. Ultimately, the decisions made at COP29 could help shape the global response to climate change for years to come.
