COP29 should have been a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. Unfortunately, it was a resounding failure. South African grassroots activists are now questioning the outcome of the summit and their own role in advocating for climate justice.
Held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the conference made some incremental progress, but many critical issues remained unresolved. Representatives from Earthlife Africa and community partners – from Limpopo, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape – attended COP29 to ensure that the concerns of grassroots communities were addressed, particularly those already facing devastating climate impacts.
Marginalised communities need bold action on loss and damage, fair financing and a rapid transition to renewable energy. Yet many of our demands have fallen on deaf ears. In Limpopo, people are battling heatwaves and water shortages. It is therefore particularly frustrating that the dialogue on fossil fuels has been largely stalled. How can we look to the future when crucial decisions are postponed year after year?
While COP29 saw some progress, such as advancing carbon market mechanisms under Article 6 and improving transparency in climate reporting, significant gaps remain. Efforts to implement a “just transition” and more robust commitments to phase out fossil fuels have been thwarted, with some proposals being postponed to COP30 or even later. One particular problem has been the lack of fossil fuel-intensive measures, with some countries such as Saudi Arabia blocking ambitious measures.
The appointment of Azerbaijan – another oil state heavily dependent on fossil fuels – as COP host has added an additional layer of controversy, as it appears that the voices of grassroots communities directly affected by the climate crisis are being drowned out by the overwhelming number of fossil fuel lobbyists (who in some cases reportedly outnumbered some national delegations). Such decisions only erode trust in the process.
We believe that COPs should be prioritised in least developed countries and small island developing states.
Hosting these events provides opportunities to develop infrastructure and create jobs for local populations. We have seen how the conference attracts private and public funding, as well as innovative projects, helping to transform host areas into greener and more climate-resilient places. Hosting also raises local awareness of climate justice and inspires local people and businesses to adopt more sustainable ways of living and working.
Media attention on the host country often leads to even greater benefits, such as increased investment, better climate education in schools, and efforts to address poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Coverage also highlights the importance of including everyone—women, youth, and people with disabilities—in climate solutions. Hosting leaves behind sustainable infrastructure and climate adaptation programs that the country can build on. This provides a powerful example for future conferences of how climate adaptation finance can protect communities and improve lives.
Despite our frustrations, we left COP29 with a renewed determination to act locally and build solidarity globally. It is important that we learn from this experience. And while we have encountered obstacles to global action, we have also met allies around the world who share our vision for climate justice. This fuels our work in our communities.
The urgency of grassroots-led initiatives – such as small-scale renewable energy projects and community-led adaptation strategies – to complement the often slow progress at the international level cannot be understated. And these strategies must include increased participation of women and youth, because the climate crisis affects us all.
As we look ahead to COP30 in Brazil, we urge grassroots leaders to continue to pressure their governments and international actors to prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities. The road ahead is steep, but the fight for climate justice remains steadfast.