The COP29 UN Climate Conference in Baku is overshadowed by the election victory of Donald Trump, a climate change denier, in the United States. Trump's win has raised concerns about the future of international climate agreements, with expectations that the U.S. may withdraw from the Paris Agreement once again. Despite this, U.S. climate envoy John Podesta asserts that the country will continue its efforts against climate change, relying on initiatives by states, cities, and businesses.
The conference, attended by approximately 51,000 participants, focuses on crucial issues such as climate financing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Experts estimate that at least $1 trillion annually is required post-2025 to aid developing countries in climate adaptation, with some estimates reaching $2.4 trillion. This financial goal is central to the negotiations, as the current commitment from wealthy nations stands at $100 billion per year.
As discussions proceed, there is a call for wealthy emerging economies like China and Gulf states to contribute more to climate funding. The conference president, Azerbaijani Environment Minister Babajew, emphasized the need for significant financial contributions while maintaining realistic expectations.
Environmental challenges are highlighted by the World Meteorological Organization's report, predicting 2024 as the hottest year on record. This underscores the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a target that appears increasingly difficult to achieve. The absence of key leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, due to political issues at home, adds to the conference's complex dynamics.
Overall, COP29 is marked by uncertainty and the need for strong commitments from the international community to combat climate change effectively.
