By Claudia Andrade
Updates from COP29 in Azerbaijan - Commitments and controversies characterize the international sustainability event.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), taking place in Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, brings together global leaders, scientists, activists, and civil society representatives to discuss the challenges and solutions needed to tackle the climate crisis. The urgency of making progress in negotiations and signing more ambitious commitments will be particularly evident at this event, as evidence accumulates of global warming and the impacts that are already being felt in different regions.
Main topics of discussion
The main themes of COP29 include the reduction of carbon emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and preserving critical ecosystems. The focus will be on a more concrete commitment to reduce emissions by 2030, putting pressure on developed countries to increase their decarbonization targets and increase funding for mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. Issues such as green technologies, the circular economy, and reforestation practices also received special attention.
Controversies and tensions between delegations
One of the biggest controversies at COP29 concerned climate finance and the transparency of rich nations' commitments. Developing countries demanded that advanced economies honor promises made at previous events, especially about financial support for climate adaptation. Representatives of island states and vulnerable nations argue that rich countries are still not meeting the demands for funding and support for climate change adaptation while their communities are suffering the effects of the crisis.
Another contentious issue is the role of fossil fuels in the energy transition. Some delegations defend the use of natural gas and nuclear energy as temporary alternatives. At the same time, other leaders and activists say that any concession to non-renewable energy sources jeopardizes the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C. The debate was heated and showed that countries are far apart on the safest way to achieve the energy transition.
Extraordinary participation and prominent voices
One of the most striking moments of COP29 was the speech by Taiana Malakai, a young activist from the South Pacific, who moved the audience by recounting the difficulties her community is facing due to rising sea levels and land loss. Her speech provided a real and urgent perspective on the impact of climate change on island regions and emphasized the importance of protecting these areas, especially tropical forests.
In addition, collaboration between global companies and local governments to develop cost-effective technologies was highlighted as a promising example of effective alliances. These partnerships aim to help vulnerable communities by creating a positive and accessible social impact, emphasizing the importance of a circular and sustainable economy.
Disagreements between countries on the energy transition and climate finance show that the global environmental agenda still faces complex challenges. To ensure a sustainable future, all countries need to make real commitments, with the richest economies doing their part and ensuring support for the most vulnerable regions.
The thinking at COP29 is clear: while the richest countries are discussing transition policies, millions of people in the most affected regions are already facing the devastating consequences of climate change. As recent UN studies and experts such as Dr. Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), point out, “Now is the time to make effective decisions.”
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Text: Claudia Andrade
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