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COP29 Live Blog
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COP 29 Live Blog - 21st November
Welcome to our live blog of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. Over the next two weeks, world leaders, policymakers, activists, and experts will gather to discuss and negotiate critical issues related to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. The stakes are high, as the world faces a climate crisis that demands urgent and transformative action. We will be bringing you real-time updates, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of the event, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions, decisions, and outcomes of COP 29.
Summary of the Day
Updated 07:45 GMT+4 – 22/11/24
Tensions Run High as Last-Minute Negotiations Intensify. As COP29 enters the 20 hour stretch, the atmosphere in the venue is charged with urgency and frustration. Yesterday, the Presidency unveiled new draft texts on key issues, including the new finance goal, the just transition work programme, the mitigation work programme, the Global Goal on Adaptation, and market-based approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. However, the reception to these drafts was far from positive.
In the morning, the Presidency published the much-anticipated drafts, but delegates were quick to voice their discontent. The proposals were widely criticized for lacking ambition, failing to reflect the priorities of developing nations, and providing insufficient clarity on the financial mechanisms needed to address the climate crisis. Issues such as response measures and gender integration also sparked heated debate, with some parties claiming the texts fell short of expectations.
The “Qurultay” Session
At noon, COP29 President convened an open-ended “Qurultay,” a single-setting session designed to give parties a platform to voice their concerns. The five-hour meeting saw a flurry of high-level statements from representatives expressing profound disappointment with the draft texts. Many countries, including those from the Global South, emphasized the need for stronger commitments on finance, adaptation, and loss and damage.
As the session progressed, the focus shifted to specific paragraphs within the texts, with countries debating wording choices and proposing alternative options. National coalitions presented their views, while individual countries also weighed in, making clear their preferences for particular language or the inclusion of specific proposals. Despite the long list of interventions, consensus remained elusive.
Bilateral Consultations and the Race Against Time
At the conclusion of the Qurultay, the Presidency announced a series of bilateral consultations to take place throughout the evening and into today. Ministerial pairs have been tasked with attempting to “unlock specific questions” in an effort to break the deadlock.
Finance Negotiations: A Slow Grind with Little Progress
Elsewhere in the venue, finance negotiators were locked in protracted discussions over multiple thorny issues, including guidance for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the long-awaited delivery of the USD 100 billion climate finance goal. While some progress was made in finalizing procedural elements for the upcoming Global Stocktake (GST) in June 2025, discussions on other topics, including how to channel finance for developing countries and the future role of the GCF, remained stalled.
GST and Response Measures
The ongoing discussions surrounding the Global Stocktake (GST) and response measures showed little sign of breaking the deadlock. The group tasked with addressing the GST procedural and logistical elements managed to agree on forwarding an informal note, which will serve as the basis for discussions in 2025. However, when it came to the report of the annual dialogue on the GST and how it should inform the preparation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), countries could not even agree to present their “compilation of views” to the Presidency for further guidance.
Similarly, negotiations on response measures also ended in a deadlock. Parties struggled to decide whether to continue these talks, defer them until next year, or seek political guidance from ministers to resolve the impasse.
Ongoing Negotiations and the Push for a Final Agreement
Updated 22:50 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
As consultations and negotiations continue behind closed doors, there is a sense of urgency to finalize agreements before tomorrow evening's 6 pm local deadline. However, with everyone involved feeling the strain of lengthy discussions, the possibility of overtime looms—a familiar scenario at UN climate summits, which sometimes extend into the weekend.
Tina Stege, Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands, voiced concerns over the logistical challenges of these extended negotiations.
"A lot of us don’t have the luxury of extending our trips, paying for tickets to change, paying for additional hotel rooms..Most countries like mine can’t do that, so it’s very hard if it gets pushed...The text we have now neither secures 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming nor provides the necessary finance for the Marshall Islands to cope with a world on track for 2.7 degrees," she said. "It’s not a starting point that works...Rubber’s at the road,...The time is now. We gotta work."
EXCLUSIVE: Exposing Predatory Greenwashing Targeting Africa
Updated 22:00 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
At COP 29, amidst the global discourse on climate action, our team encountered a troubling interaction with a lobbyist promoting outdated biogas technology. Marketed as an ideal solution for Africa, this technology had failed in the Netherlands years ago due to inefficiency and unsustainability. The pitch ignored scientific evidence, instead exploiting stereotypes about the Global South's readiness to accept subpar solutions. This incident underscored a broader issue: platforms like COP are often used by corporations to greenwash their image and push harmful technologies under the guise of innovation.
This tactic is all too common. Corporations rebrand failed solutions from the Global North and sell them as breakthroughs in Africa, leveraging governance gaps and offering financial incentives to officials to close deals. These "solutions" lack data and proven science, instead preying on urgent developmental needs. Such exploitation perpetuates inequality and undermines Africa’s pursuit of truly sustainable, locally-driven climate solutions.
The path forward is clear: expose these manipulative practices, demand accountability, and champion proven, community-focused solutions. Africa deserves equitable, science-based technologies tailored to its unique challenges, not discarded innovations repackaged for profit. At COP29 and beyond, the fight for climate justice must remain rooted in transparency, resilience, and the empowerment of those most impacted by the climate crisis.
Final Stretch Begins
Updated 21:40 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
COP 29 has reached a crucial stage. After a six-hour-long "single-setting" meeting, the Presidency has announced revised texts for "late Friday" and will now engage in bilateral consultations with various groups to further refine the documents. Additionally, ministerial pairs have been tasked with addressing specific sticking points to accelerate negotiations. As we enters the final phase, the focus remains on securing a robust agreement that addresses the urgent climate crisis.
Colombian Minister Criticizes Fossil Fuel Language in Draft Text
Updated 18:40 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
A few minutes ago, Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad voiced strong concerns over the state of negotiations at COP 29, calling the current draft text "not only unacceptable, but highly worrying." She highlighted that last year, at COP 28, nations had committed to a transition away from fossil fuels, but this language was absent in the draft released this morning. Muhamad emphasized that addressing fossil fuel usage is crucial to mitigating the climate crisis and questioned the purpose of global agreements if they fail to tackle the core issue.
The press conference, convened by the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA), also included representatives from other member nations such as Costa Rica, France, and the Marshall Islands. The Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance released a statement urging countries to strengthen their commitments from 2023 and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. The group reiterated that turning ambition into action is essential to addressing the climate crisis.
Saudi Arabia Publicly Opposes Targeting Fossil Fuels
Updated 17:00 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
Saudi Arabia has voiced strong opposition to any climate deal texts that target specific sectors, particularly fossil fuels. During a plenary session, Albara Tawfiq, representing the Saudi delegation, made it clear that the Arab group would not accept any text singling out fossil fuels. This marks a rare public statement from Saudi Arabia, which is typically more discreet in its behind-the-scenes negotiations at UN climate summits.
The disagreement centers around a pledge made at COP28 last year in the UAE to transition away from fossil fuels. Many nations are keen to reaffirm this commitment to maintain momentum, while others, including China and Bolivia, have expressed opposition to an explicit mention of fossil fuels in the current discussions. China argued against singling out a specific paragraph from the previous COP 28 deal, and Bolivia criticized developed nations for imposing restrictive measures on developing countries while continuing to expand fossil fuel use at home.
The ongoing negotiations are highly complex, with various discussions happening under multiple tracks, including the climate finance goal, the "mitigation work programme" (MWP), and the "UAE dialogue." Experts suggest that the climate finance text may offer the best opportunity for reaffirming the fossil fuel transition pledge, though much of the debate around fossil fuel use remains contentious.
ANALYSIS: 36 Hours to Go
Updated 15:45 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
As COP 29 moves into its final 36 hours, frustration continues to mount in the plenary session, with a growing number of countries expressing dissatisfaction with the latest draft texts. The consensus so far is clear: the new negotiating texts have fallen short of expectations. The most frequent term used to describe the proposals has been “deeply disappointing,” though many see this as part of the typical end-of-conference drama—negotiations often go down to the wire.
However, the obstacles ahead remain significant. At the heart of the current impasse is climate finance, a central issue for COP29. Developing nations are demanding $1.3 trillion per year to address the climate crisis they did not cause, but as of now, no concrete number has been put forward by wealthier nations. The lack of a firm commitment on climate finance continues to fuel tensions, particularly as vulnerable countries call for urgent financial support.
In addition to finance, the issue of emission reductions and the commitment to phase out fossil fuels has sparked widespread anger. Many countries are calling for stronger language on transitioning away from fossil fuels, following the pledge made at COP28. However, progress on this front has been stymied by what Peru’s delegate described as “silence or complete blocking,” with Saudi Arabia and its allies, including Bolivia, being cited as key obstacles to moving forward.
Pakistan’s representative was the next to take the floor, emphasizing the importance of an ambitious outcome on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), particularly in light of the severe flooding that has devastated the country. Pakistan reiterated its call for unconditional access to climate finance, rejecting the idea of allocating funds to specific groups of countries, which it sees as unfair. The country also raised concerns over the emphasis on domestic financing, arguing that it remains a barrier to effective international support.
Zambia, speaking on the NCQG, expressed deep concern over the absence of specific financial commitments in the text. The Zambian delegation highlighted the urgent need for resources that reflect the reality of the climate crisis, with the $1.3 trillion annual target for 2030 remaining a top priority. “We are counting on your leadership,” the delegate concluded, urging negotiators to deliver a meaningful outcome in line with the expectations of the conference.
New Zealand's Environment Minister, Simon Watts, voiced frustration with the slow pace of progress, particularly on mitigation. Watts criticized the limited scope of the proposed outcomes, stating that the text failed to move the process forward. He stressed the need for more iterative drafts to bring parties together and find common ground.
Meanwhile, Germany’s climate envoy, Jennifer Morgan, expressed strong disappointment with the text on mitigation, calling it “unacceptable” and highlighting that it offers no progress in addressing the urgent need for emission reductions. Morgan stressed that the world cannot afford to ignore the suffering of millions of people, adding that clear commitments are essential for implementing the global mitigation goals outlined in the Glasgow Climate Pact.
Presidency Defends Draft Text Amid Criticism Over Lack of Concrete Climate Finance Figures
Updated 14:30 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
The COP 29 presidency has issued a statement in defense of the draft text, which has faced significant criticism this morning for not including a concrete financial figure for climate action. The presidency emphasized that the current texts are a first iteration and are intended to serve as a foundation for further discussions.
The presidency clarified that the next version, to be released later tonight, will be shorter and will include figures based on potential consensus outcomes. The statement also highlighted the focus on finance as a central issue and acknowledged that the documents include options designed to address the concerns of all parties involved.
The presidency reiterated its commitment to ongoing engagement, with open doors for any bridging proposals from parties. As the negotiations move into their final stages, the COP29 presidency expressed optimism about reaching a breakthrough, urging all parties to continue engaging with the texts and each other to make the necessary ambitious decisions.
Plenary Session on Draft Text Ongoing
Updated 13:30 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
The plenary session on the draft text is currently underway, with countries offering formal responses to the latest draft text. COP 29 President Mukhtar Babayev kicked off the session, encouraging nations to provide their feedback to help shape future versions of the text. He expressed hope that, with collective effort, the summit could conclude by 6 p.m. local time tomorrow.
The European Union expressed deep disappointment with the current draft, calling it "imbalanced, unworkable, and unacceptable." EU Climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra emphasized the need for increased ambition on mitigation and called for a broader donor base to support climate action in vulnerable countries.
Australia, representing the Umbrella Group, also voiced concerns about the draft, particularly regarding the language on the energy transition. Climate Minister Chris Bowen urged for stronger commitments on renewable energy and rejected proposals to track finance flows from developed to developing countries.
"This is a big step back and it is not acceptable at this current moment of crisis...There is much work left to do."
Small Island States, represented by Samoa, stressed the importance of aligning the package with the 1.5°C warming limit and called for a clear quantification of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.
“We cannot afford to undermine the progress made a year ago in Dubai. It need needs to protect the space for deep emission mitigation.”
The G77 and China represented by Uganda expressed gratitude for the Presidency's efforts but reiterated their demand for a specific financial target of $1.3 trillion by 2030. They emphasized that the NCQG should not be framed as an investment goal but rather as a clear financial commitment from developed countries.
"The G77 and China has been very clear that we should not leave Baku without a number. We are presenting a figure of 1.3trn by 2030. Our disappointment so far is that our development partners have not responded so far. We need a figure as a headline. People outside this room are expecting us to come up with that. Mr president, the NCQG is not an investment goal but this text focuses on investment flows. This should not be the case. There is also still references about domestic finance which we do not agree with. This goes beyond the mandate in this room. We highlight the need for loss and damage. Let me also emphasise that the goal is the sole obligation of developed countries, as per the Paris agreement.”
EU Condemns Lack of Clear Climate Finance Target
Updated 13:20 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
The European Union Climate Commissioner Hoekstra expressed deep disappointment with the current state of climate finance negotiations at COP 29. - "The current situation is clearly unacceptable" -Speaking at a press conference this morning, Hoekstra criticized the absence of a specific figure for the new collective quantified goal (NCQG), which is currently marked with an "X."
"Our assessment is far from positive. We believe the proposed texts lack balance. While progress has been made on important issues like adaptation, gender, and a just transition, which were stalled on Monday, the core pillars of mitigation and finance, crucial for keeping the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach, remain unsatisfactory...While we acknowledge the importance of qualitative elements for developing countries, the presidency must swiftly present a new text that addresses both structure and quantum, providing a solid foundation for further negotiations," - Valvanera Ulargui, the Lead Negotiator for Spain
Ulargui further emphasized that the EU seeks a robust outcome on mitigation, surpassing the process-oriented agreements reached in Dubai last year. Regarding finance, she expressed skepticism about the proposed text, stating that it does not represent a genuine compromise.
No Cover Text
Updated 12:15 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
Yalchin Rafiyev, the lead negotiator for Azerbaijan at COP 29, has confirmed again this morning that there will be no cover text for this COP. This is surprising, as cover texts have been a crucial part of recent COPs, outlining key decisions and commitments.
The cover text for COP 26 included resolutions to limit global warming to 1.5C and phase down coal use. At COP 27, many were disappointed that the cover text did not include a phase-out of fossil fuels, despite strong support from many countries.
The absence of a cover text at COP 29 is significant because of ongoing disagreements over the "global stocktake" decision made at COP 28. This decision committed countries to transitioning away from fossil fuels, a landmark agreement that has faced opposition from some countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. The lack of a cover text raises concerns about whether COP 29 will be able to reaffirm this crucial commitment and maintain momentum in global climate action.
Australia vs Türkiye: 2026 COP 31
Updated 10:45 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
Australia's bid to co-host the 2026 COP 31, with Pacific island nations is facing resistance from Türkiye, who is also vying for the event. The Australian government had expected the decision to be finalized before the end of COP 29 tomorrow, but the process remains unresolved. While Australia has strong support from a majority of Western European countries and other international allies, Türkiye has insisted on its own bid, citing its logistical readiness and ability to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including meetings between Australian officials and Turkish counterparts, a resolution is still pending.
Australian ministers are pushing for clarity to allow sufficient time for preparations. The Pacific region, which has shown strong backing for the Australian-led bid, emphasizes the importance of hosting the summit in the Southern Hemisphere, a rare opportunity for the Pacific to influence global climate discussions. However, with Türkiye remaining steadfast in its position and the uncertainty surrounding Australia’s upcoming federal elections, the final decision may be delayed. If an agreement is not reached this week, the issue could stretch into next year, with the possibility of a formal decision at COP 30 in Brazil. Last year, Turkey withdrew as the host of the UNCBD COP16, citing the February 2023 earthquakes that struck the country. The event was rescheduled to this October, and Colombia stepped up to host.
A Closer Look at the New Climate Finance Text
Updated 10:15 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
The latest draft of the climate finance text has undergone a substantial reduction, shrinking from a hefty 25 pages to just 10. This streamlining has led to a significant decrease in the number of undecided points, represented by items enclosed in square brackets. These brackets, which once numbered 415, have now been reduced to a mere 46. The text presents two distinct options for the overarching goal of climate finance, each reflecting the divergent priorities of developed and developing countries.
Option 1: Developing Country Priorities
This option prioritizes a substantial financial commitment, aiming for trillions of dollars in grants or grant-equivalent terms. This funding would be directed towards adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage. The proposed timeframe for this commitment spans from 2025 to 2035, with developed countries assuming responsibility for providing the funds to all developing countries. A novel concept of "burden-sharing" is introduced, whereby each developed nation's contribution would be determined by its historical responsibility for climate change.
Option 2: Developed Country Priorities
This option presents a more conservative approach, emphasizing the mobilization of private finance and focusing on specific sectors like renewable energy and energy efficiency. It includes provisions for technical assistance and capacity building, particularly for developing countries. However, the specific financial commitments and mechanisms for implementation remain less defined compared to Option 1.
Unresolved Issues and Contentious Points
Despite the progress made in streamlining the text, several crucial issues remain unresolved. A primary point of contention is the exact amount of funding to be mobilized. While proposals range from $440 billion to $900 billion annually, a consensus has yet to be reached. Another significant point of debate centers on the inclusion of voluntary contributions from developing countries, particularly major emitters like China and Saudi Arabia. The EU has hinted at the possibility of including such contributions in the overall goal, but this idea has not been universally accepted. As negotiations continue, it is clear that the path toward a comprehensive and equitable climate finance agreement remains fraught with challenges.
Yesterday in Summary
Updated 09:40 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
COP 29 Live Blog - 20th November | We Don't Have Time
Welcome to our live blog of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. Over the next two weeks, world leaders, policymakers, activists, and experts
https://app.wedonthavetime.org/posts/8cdb0ce5-3675-4eee-be44-7d612630349f
While we await the analysis of the new draft text from our team, here's a quick recap of yesterday. Negotiations continued with a mix of progress and challenges. While some cooperative advancements were made, significant divisions persisted over climate finance, particularly regarding the quantum of public finance for vulnerable nations. Developing countries expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed figures, deeming them insufficient to address their adaptation needs.
Technical consultations continued to refine draft texts, which were published early this morning, followed by a single-setting session for discussion and potential finalization. Key issues like climate finance, adaptation, and the future of the Paris Agreement remained contentious, with developed and developing nations holding differing positions.
New Draft Negotiating Text Released
Updated 08:40 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
The new draft negotiating text for the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance has been finally released. You can read it here, under CMA6 Agenda item 11 (a). We will publish our analysis of the text very soon.
Good Morning!
Updated 7:30 GMT+4 – 21/11/24
Welcome to day 10 of our live coverage of COP 29. The theme of today is Day 10, Biodiversity, Indigenous People, Gender Equality, Ocean & Coastal Zones.
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It’s great to see real progress, but unresolved climate finance issues highlight the ongoing divide between developed and developing nations
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I hope the agenda of COP29 will be successful to achieve. Md Shahab Uddin uddinmdshahab346@gmail.com. "Light House" Global Citizen since 2020. 🆔 3i60 and msu1a2b.
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The more biodiversity we have the more the resilent our planet will be,,,,,together we uphold this
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The cop29 will surely help bring about change if the leaders prioritize coming up with relevant solutions of dealing with climate change.
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I do hope that the cop29 will bear fruits and help bring about some difference to the planet.
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Let's make a difference together! 💚