The world is reeling under the weight of climate change. Nations gathered at COP29 in Baku full of hope and expectation, but left with a bitter taste of disappointment. Western countries pledged to increase funding to help developing countries combat the devastating effects of global warming. However, the amounts promised were deemed largely insufficient by many representatives of the most vulnerable countries.
The announced financial commitment, to increase from $100 billion per year to “at least $300 billion” by 2035, was criticized for its lack of ambition and clarity. Delegates from Africa, Asia and Oceania deplored the lack of willingness of developed countries to address the urgent needs of the regions most affected by climate change.
Small island states, threatened with extinction by rising sea levels, expressed frustration at what they saw as a lack of accountability by major powers. The measures taken to support adaptation to extreme weather events and encourage the transition to renewable energy appear insufficient to respond to the urgency of the situation.
Reactions from representatives of developed countries have been mixed. While some welcome this agreement as an “important step” in the fight against global warming, others consider it disappointing and below current challenges. France, for its part, believes that the final text lacks vision and leadership, highlighting a lack of collective ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
COP29 in Baku will be remembered as a painful experience for many participants. Power struggles, geopolitical tensions and divergent interests complicated the negotiations, resulting in a half-hearted compromise. Civil society organizations and environmental defenders deplore the lack of firmness of governments in the face of the climate emergency.
While the world expected bold and courageous measures to protect our shared planet, COP29 in Baku leaves a bitter aftertaste. The challenges of climate change are immense and require collective and determined action. Let us hope that the lessons learned from this conference will serve to strengthen international mobilization to save our imperiled planet.