COP29 Climate Talks Face Tensions As Big Names Skip Summit
AFP/APP
Baku: World leaders gathered in Azerbaijan on Tuesday for COP29, although the absence of major figures loomed over discussions on the future of climate action.
While more than 75 leaders are expected over two days, prominent heads from some of the world’s largest and most polluting economies, including the United States, China, India, and France, are missing from this year’s talks.
Despite these absences, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived, vowing to showcase “ambitious” updates to the UK’s climate goals and calling for leadership on the climate crisis. Canadian Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault acknowledged the challenges posed by political uncertainties, yet insisted, “Everything is still possible.”
Washington’s climate envoy John Podesta also aimed to reassure attendees, affirming that the U.S. commitment to global warming mitigation would persist, though it might face political obstacles.
Tensions and Agenda Delays
The summit’s opening was marred by tensions and delays due to disagreements over the official agenda, casting a cloud over the event’s initial proceedings at the venue near the Caspian Sea. “This will be a tough COP,” said WWF’s Fernanda Carvalho, noting deep divisions among countries and a “lack of trust” regarding climate finance, which she expects to affect all negotiations.
‘Climate Debt’ Debate
Central to COP29’s agenda is the contentious issue of climate funding for developing countries, which face the greatest risk from climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Many are demanding that the previous $100 billion-a-year pledge be increased tenfold to meet adaptation costs. Azerbaijan’s Babayev, a former oil executive, noted that trillions might be necessary, though a sum in the hundreds of billions would be “more realistic,” causing frustration among developing nations and NGOs, who argue that wealthier countries owe a “climate debt” to those most affected.
The proposal to expand the donor pool to include wealthy nations and top emitters such as China and Gulf states was met with opposition, particularly from Beijing.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized the urgent need for finance, describing it as an “investment in a safer, wealthier planet,” and framed climate action as “global inflation insurance.”
He assured attendees that recent political changes would not undermine climate diplomacy, adding, “Our process is strong. It’s robust, and it will endure.”
Around 50,000 participants are attending COP29 in Azerbaijan, which borders Russia and Iran, including leaders from African, Asian, and Latin American nations affected by climate-related disasters.
