When developing country delegates reacted to the UN climate change agreement at the COP29 talks, a wave of frustration and anger swept across the stage. The deal provided for a whopping $300 billion per year to support humanity in its fight against the devastating effects of climate change.
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev had given his approval before nations could speak. However, once the floor was given, disappointment reigned. Developing nations called the deal unfair and inadequate, and rich countries too restrictive.
India, through its negotiator Chandni Raina, strongly protested the proposed sum as paltry. She repeatedly highlighted India’s objection to the deal being put together in misplaced enthusiasm.
Raina said the amount allocated was “paltry” and did not take into account the economic growth needs of developing countries. She argued that developed countries were imposing adaptation measures without considering the economic growth needed to ensure the survival of their nations and the development of their people.
Other countries quickly followed India’s lead. Nkiruka Maduekwe, CEO of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change, called the agreement an insult and a joke. She called the approach of developed countries unrealistic and urged them to take more responsibility, considering their historical and current role in exacerbating climate change.
“This is not something we should take lightly. I don’t think we should applaud this,” she added firmly.
Given the strong and unanimous reactions, it is clear that this agreement is not meeting the expectations of developing countries. A thorough review and a real consideration of the specific needs of each nation seem to be the next necessary steps to achieve an effective global consensus in the fight against climate change.