In a world where climate issues have become crucial, the urgency to act for climate justice is increasingly pressing. It is in this context that, during COP29 in Baku, activists from the global movement to demand climate justice once again made their voices heard. Their main demand? Obtain a financial agreement that they consider fair.
At the heart of the climate negotiations led by the UN, it is essential to move from the technical phase to a focus on concrete issues. Representatives of civil society and movements are calling on both governments and non-state actors to provide financing commensurate with the climate emergency. The communities most impacted by the climate crisis, mainly in the Global South, are in dire need of money to adapt and mitigate the consequences of climate change.
The most vulnerable nations are calling for the colossal sum of $1.3 trillion to deal with the damage linked to climate change and to adapt to these upheavals. Climate activists, such as Kenya’s Eric Njuguna, are urging negotiators to stand firm in their positions. Pressure from industrialized countries to limit funding and prioritize the private sector is being widely criticized.
Experts agree that at least $1 trillion is needed, far more than industrialized countries’ current commitments to loss and damage funds. International finance flows for adaptation in developing countries have increased, reflecting progress toward the goals set in the Glasgow Accord in 2021.
At the G20 summit, the UN Secretary-General made clear that the success of COP29 rests largely in the hands of the world’s major economies together. This international diplomatic pressure underscores the critical importance of the decisions that will be made at COP29, as time is running out to address the climate crisis.
Thus, the end of COP29 in Baku represents a major turning point in the fight for climate justice. The actions and commitments made at this conference will have a direct impact on the future of our planet. It is time to act decisively and in a concerted manner to address the environmental challenges that threaten our world. International cooperation is essential to address this crisis and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.