UN climate summit in Baku begins with challenges, including funding disputes and the US president-elect’s stance on climate policy.
Baku, Azerbaijan – The 29th annual UN climate summit, COP29, began in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, on November 11, gathering representatives from nearly 200 nations for two weeks of negotiations. Delegates will discuss measures to mitigate the worsening climate crisis, but the event faces criticism and new challenges, including Donald Trump’s recent re-election as US president and controversies surrounding the fossil fuel industry.
When and Where is COP29?
The summit is held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, marking the first time the event has taken place in a nation whose economy is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. This choice of location has drawn backlash from climate activists, including Greta Thunberg, who condemned it as a “greenwash conference.”
Participants and Notable Attendees
This year’s summit has over 32,000 registered attendees, including delegates from all 198 countries that ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Notable participants include John Podesta, a senior adviser for international climate policy under President Biden, who leads a US delegation without decision-making power due to Trump’s incoming administration.
For the first time, representatives from the Taliban-controlled government in Afghanistan will also attend.
Key Issues on the Agenda: ‘Finance COP’
COP29 has been labeled the “finance COP” due to a primary focus on increasing funds for climate action in lower-income nations. According to a UN report, emerging economies will need over $2 trillion annually by 2030 to keep global warming under control. However, rich and developing nations are at odds over funding responsibilities, with poorer countries demanding a $1 trillion annual climate fund.
The debate over contributions from countries like China and the UAE—both high emitters but classified as developing—will also play a major role in finance discussions.
Additionally, countries are expected to present updates on their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining their emissions targets for 2025 in line with the Paris Agreement.
Progress Since COP28
Last year’s COP28 in Dubai made historic progress by urging nations to “transition away from fossil fuels” as part of the global stocktake. Goals for 2030 include tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency. The International Energy Agency (IEA) now tracks this progress.
Absence of Fossil Fuel Commitments
While fossil fuel reduction was a focus at COP28, it has been notably absent from this year’s agenda. Though no official reason was given, observers speculate that Azerbaijan’s dependence on oil and gas could have influenced the agenda. Advocacy groups recently reported a conversation with Elnur Soltanov, Azerbaijan’s deputy energy minister and CEO of COP29, allegedly discussing new fossil fuel deals.
Impact of Trump’s Re-election
Trump’s re-election as US president is expected to influence future climate agreements. Trump previously withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement, and his new administration could significantly impact climate policy when he takes office in January 2025. The US, as the world’s second-largest emitter, plays a critical role in global climate targets.
2024: A Record-Breaking Year for Climate Change
The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service recently reported that 2024 is virtually certain to be the hottest year on record, marked by severe climate events like Hurricane Milton, which devastated parts of Florida. This year’s extreme weather highlights the urgent need for climate action as delegates seek solutions in Baku.