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COP29 Live Blog
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COP 29 Live Blog - 12th 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.
Closing Summary
Updated 00:01 GMT+4 – 13/11/24
The second day of COP 29 has drawn to a close, it is now a little pass midnight here in beautiful Baku, and we have kept the blog open for some time to follow any new stories. Things have quieted down. From the diplomatic channels, we know that the late evening saw a few consolations and closed-door talks, as well as bilateral talks among attending leaders. The estimated 67,000 delegates and journalists are now resting ahead of tomorrow. While world leaders have shared their national commitments and visions today, the real work of negotiation and consensus-building is still ahead.
Key Takeaways from Day 2:
- Ambitious Climate Targets: Several countries, including the UK, have announced ambitious new emissions reduction targets.
- Climate Finance: There have been strong calls for increased climate finance, particularly for developing countries and vulnerable communities.
- Loss and Damage: The issue of loss and damage, which refers to the costs of climate impacts that cannot be adapted to, has been a central theme.
- Just Transition: The importance of a just transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring that workers and communities are not left behind, has been emphasized.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical tensions and competing national interests continue to complicate global climate cooperation.
While the early days of COP 29 have seen a flurry of speeches and announcements, the real test will be in the coming days especially from tomorrow as negotiators delve into the details.
Gender Equality at the Heart of Climate Finance
Updated 23:55 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Throughout the day, we have been following the gender-focused discussions in the MR 02 observer overflow room, which highlighted the critical intersection of gender equality and climate finance. Multiple representatives, including from Gambia, China, the European Union, Australia, and the United States, emphasized that achieving ambitious climate action mandates a gender-responsive approach with substantial financial backing from developed nations, per the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement requirements.
Key points included:
- Gender-Responsive Climate Finance: There was a strong consensus that developed countries need to provide predictable and sustained financial support to developing nations, particularly to bolster gender-sensitive climate actions.
- Implementation of Gender Policies: The EU and other nations called for integrating gender-responsive policies in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate action plans, underscoring the role of women as change agents.
- Strengthening the Lima Work Program: Many speakers, including Mexico and Brazil, advocated for an enhanced Lima Work Program and Gender Action Plan with a clear roadmap to empower women and address inequalities in climate responses.
- Data and Accountability: The United States and others stressed the importance of intersectional data collection and the need for gender-disaggregated data to track progress, with calls for a ten-year gender work program that includes a five-year midterm review.
- Global Collaboration and Inclusivity: Broad support was expressed for an inclusive, collaborative approach that recognizes diverse female leadership and supports the role of national gender and climate focal points in fostering resilient, gender-sensitive climate action.
Specific quotes from representatives of various countries on gender and climate finance issues during the observer overflow room meeting;
Applicant Group Representative:
“To have smooth negotiations on the next agenda, we would like to have finance in it, because that is why we are here. Annex I parties and developed countries are expected, with Article 4 and Article 9 of the convention, to provide finance to non-Annex I and developing countries.”
China:
“We truly see the issue of gender and climate change as tremendously significant… It’s crucial that we make the most of women’s roles in negotiation, decision-making, and implementation related to climate change. We hope this conference will lead to ambitious and predictable support from developed countries to developing ones.”
European Union (EU):
“This year, we have a crucial opportunity to advance gender equality as a core, cross-cutting priority in climate action. The EU looks forward to seeing all parties propose and implement gender-responsive policies, especially in NDCs… We recognize that strengthening women's rights and gender equality as critical drivers of climate action will enable us to transform our societies and build resilience.”
Dominican Republic (on behalf of AOSIS):
“The update of the Lima Work Program for gender is not an option; it is imperative to deliver at COP 29 and define a clear roadmap to update its Gender Action Plan. Gender-responsive climate action is a matter of life and death for women and girls in developing countries.”
Australia:
“Gender equality is not a side issue; it is central to the progress and prosperity of our nations… Australia would like to see an ambitious outcome here in Bucha that reflects our collective resolve to prioritize gender-responsive climate action.”
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
“We are falling behind in negotiation, and DRC would like to stress the importance of trying to move forward. For us, it’s very important to see implementation in the text. We must be inclusive and leave no one behind.”
Mexico:
“Mexico highlights the importance of building upon the Lima Work Program and ensuring no regression in agreed language… We want to recognize the significant role of women and girls as leaders in climate action, under the Paris Agreement, and acknowledge climate finance with a gender perspective.”
United States:
“It is important for us to see language on intersectionality, national action, implementation, and gender-disaggregated data within the text… We would like to see a 10-year work program and Gender Action Plan, with a five-year midterm review.”
Global Greens Geopolitics After the US Election 2024
Updated 22:00 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Few days before US Election 2024, European Greens urged US Greens for the withdrawal of Jill Stein in support for Kamala Harris. US Greens’ refusal marked a severance between US Greens and Global Greens' Alliance. The European Green Party issued an urgent call for U.S. Green Party candidate Jill Stein to withdraw from the presidential race and endorse Kamala Harris. European Greens warn that Stein’s candidacy could enable a Trump win, thus severely undermining climate policy, biodiversity, human rights, gender-based discriminations, LGBTQ rights and democratic values globally. European Greens stated that U.S. leadership is pivotal as authoritarianism rises, viewing Harris as a dependable partner to drive climate action and for peace in the Middle East.
They highlighted stark policy and ideological differences with the U.S. Green Party, particularly on NATO, the Russia-Ukraine war, and affiliations with certain authoritarian parties. The European Green family, consisting of Green parties from all over Europe, advocates for political reform that priorities the planet, people and peace above corporate greed, systemic injustice and violence. Global Greens' call for a strategic approach to counter Trump's pro-fossil fuel presidency, was backed by European Greens Co-chairs Mélanie Vogel and Thomas Waitz, and Green parties from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, and Ukraine.
The U.S. Green Party, under Jill Stein’s leadership, rejected the motion, urging European Greens to support them in their call for a national popular vote with ranked-choice voting (RCV). The US Green Party believed RCV would foster true political discourse. In the outcome of the US election, the US Greens’ strategy was ineffectual. In response, European Greens reiterated the prime directive of the Global Greens; that of entrenching Sustainability as a global system to safeguard all living things in the Anthropocene.
Whereas U.S. Greens asserted that both Trump and Harris will not act decisively, on the issue of Climate Change, citing examples such as Trump's and Harris’s support for increased domestic oil production; policies which sharply opposed US & Global Green Party core values. Failing to align, the US Greens and Global Greens alliance is on a hiatus, and unlikely to resume, under the Trump administration.
US Climate Leadership Amid Political Uncertainty
Updated 20:00 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
In a high-profile statement, Ali Zaidi, the White House's top climate adviser, emphasized the Biden administration’s efforts to create a lasting climate legacy, despite challenges posed by political opposition. Reflecting on the Inflation Reduction Act, Zaidi described the policy as a "booster pack" to drive private sector investment in green technology. He warned that the real test would be whether the US can sustain momentum amidst potential rollbacks, particularly if Donald Trump regains power. "What we will see is whether we’ve achieved escape velocity or not," Zaidi said. "If every country did that and did it again in the next five to 10 years, we would be headed where we need to head."
A Bleak Outlook for 1.5C
Updated 19:55 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
A stark warning from the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative painted a grim picture for the planet if global warming exceeds 1.5°C. Their report highlighted that Greenland and West Antarctica would begin to melt irreversibly, contributing more than 10 meters of sea level rise. This would threaten major cities like Miami, Shanghai, and Bangkok, where rising seas could have catastrophic consequences. The report also flagged the risk of emissions from melting permafrost, which could lock in climate impacts for centuries. These findings underscored the need for urgent action to curb emissions and adapt to inevitable changes.
UK’s New Climate Target: Ambitious, but Deliverable?
Updated 19:45 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled an ambitious new carbon reduction target of 81% by 2035, putting the UK among the first countries to set an official carbon-cutting plan ahead of the February deadline. "We are taking the action needed to protect our planet and its people," Starmer asserted, emphasizing the role of green finance in supporting the global energy transition. While environmental groups like Global Citizen and Save the Children lauded the UK's commitment, they also urged stronger action on climate finance for developing nations, especially to fund adaptation and loss and damage.
Canada & Methane
Updated 19:30 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s environment minister, issued a stark warning to methane emitters: “You can run but you can’t hide.” Satellite technology is now enabling the identification of methane leaks from space, and the international community is pushing for stricter controls. The US has already announced fines for large methane leakers, such as the 147-tonne leak in Texas, which will carry a $220,000 per hour penalty starting in 2026. As Muktar Bubayev, COP29 president, pointed out, the focus on methane this year is critical to achieving rapid climate gains. The World Bank has also launched initiatives to tackle methane emissions across various sectors, including agriculture and waste management.
Small Island States & Loss and Damage
Updated 19:10 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, delivered a powerful speech on the urgency of addressing loss and damage funding for the world’s most vulnerable nations. "We are in a season of superlatives," she said, emphasizing the extreme weather events ravaging the planet. Despite some progress, the loss and damage fund has raised only $700 million—a fraction of the funds needed to help small island states like hers recover from climate-induced disasters. Mottley has long pushed for global financial reform, and she reiterated the need for new collective quantified goals to address both mitigation and adaptation.
Jordan's Crown Prince Connects War and Climate
Updated 18:50 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of Jordan made an emotional appeal linking the current war in Gaza with the broader climate crisis. "How can we work together for our shared future when some are deemed unworthy of life?" he asked, reflecting on the geopolitical and humanitarian crises unfolding. He also drew attention to how war exacerbates climate impacts, particularly for refugees—who make up one-third of Jordan's population. "Every life is worth fighting for," he declared, stressing the need for a unified effort to tackle both climate change and conflict.
Spain’s Call for Drastic Action
Updated 18:40 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Pedro Sánchez, President of Spain, did not mince words in his speech, acknowledging the “terrible truth” that climate change is already wreaking havoc, as demonstrated by recent catastrophic floods in Southern Spain that killed 220 people. "This societal threat is obvious to everyone," he said, urging world leaders to stop hesitating and start taking drastic measures. "But at this crucial time for humanity, we are seeing governments hesitate and slow down when they should be accelerating." Sánchez’s remarks highlighted the need for a swift transformation in global policies to avert even greater destruction.
Urgent Call for Climate Finance
Updated 18:30 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Ahmed Didi, Vice President of Seychelles, voiced the frustration of many small island nations, emphasizing that they are bearing the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing little to global emissions. "Everything is being threatened," he said, highlighting the struggle to protect his nation from rising sea levels. Didi pointed out that the promises made by rich countries to fund climate action must be translated into real, accessible financial mechanisms. "If every time this buzzer went off, a million dollars were released, Seychelles would have all the money it needs to restore its environment."
Health at the Heart of Climate Action
Updated 17:55 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Dr. Maria Neira from the World Health Organization (WHO) made a compelling case for why health must be central to the climate agenda. "Climate change is making us sick," she said, noting that extreme weather, air pollution, and the disruption of food systems are already harming global health. Meanwhile, Abheet Solomon from UNICEF underscored how children are disproportionately affected by climate impacts. "The purpose of climate action is to protect humanity’s future, its children," he said. The health community is calling for comprehensive climate action to prevent further damage, with climate-related actions potentially saving millions of lives each year.
Azerbaijan's "Gift of God"
Updated 17:35 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Earlier in the day, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev described fossil fuels as a "gift of God," sparking backlash from environmentalists like Rev. Fletcher Harper of GreenFaith, who countered that more fossil fuels "are literally the highway to hell." The tension between fossil fuel dependence and the global transition to renewable energy remains a key point of debate as leaders struggle to balance short-term economic interests with long-term environmental survival.
Urgent Calls for Climate Action
Updated 17:15 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
A quick update from the high-level plenary, there has been a flurry of national statements which have highlighted the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. Here are some of the key takeaways;
A Call for Bold Climate Finance
- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu: "The new climate finance goal must reflect the true scale of the climate crisis. The need is in trillions, not billions."
- Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine: Encouraged poor nations to put forward ambitious climate action plans while calling out rich nations for insufficient climate finance.
Europe's Role and Challenges
- European Council President Charles Michel: Praised Europe's climate finance contributions but acknowledged the need for bolder action and a broader donor base.
A Plea for Urgent Action and Global Cooperation
- UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell: Warned that worsening climate impacts could exacerbate inflation. He urged nations to take bolder climate action and invest in clean energy to boost economies.
- Marshall Islands, President Hilda Heine: Emphasized the need for global cooperation, stating, "We are all on the same canoe, and we must all work together if we are to reach our destination."
Criticisms and Contradictions
- Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko: Criticized rich nations for their absence and urged them to fulfill their climate finance commitments. However, Belarus's own reliance on fossil fuels raises questions about its sincerity.
- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: Praised Turkey's climate efforts, despite international assessments deeming its climate action plan "critically insufficient."
The Maldives’ Game-Changer for the Future
Updated 18:02 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
The President Mohamed Muizzu revealed his vision for the Maldives, where AI is central to the nation's future. By 2030, he aims for AI to contribute 15% of the GDP, transforming the country’s economy and sustainability efforts. The Maldives is leveraging AI to tackle climate change, using it for erosion detection, marine pollution monitoring, and coral reef preservation—vital for the nation's survival. Muizzu’s strategy includes boosting ICT infrastructure, expanding 5G, and experimenting with drone medical deliveries, all aimed at creating a resilient, AI-driven economy to combat the challenges of climate change.
Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative
Updated 17:15 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Azerbaijan's President Mukhtar Babayev and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu have launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, marking a significant step towards sustainable agriculture. Unveiled as part of the lead-up to COP29, this initiative "aims to empower farmers to tackle the growing climate crisis," as Babayev noted, and offers tools and resources to adapt to shifting climate patterns. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of this effort, given agriculture’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the need for climate-resilient practices.
Under this agreement, Azerbaijan and the FAO will design programs to strengthen farmers' resilience, aligning with the global Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership. Dongyu highlighted the initiative as “a crucial step for a resilient agricultural future," especially for regions hardest hit by climate impacts. This collaboration not only supports local adaptation but also contributes to broader international climate and food security goals.
Kuala Lumpur’s Mayor Passionate Speech
Updated 16:35 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
At COP29, Kuala Lumpur’s Mayor Maimunah Mourt-Sharif delivered a heartfelt appeal, urging global leaders to strengthen their commitments to climate action. Speaking from her experience and deep connection to grassroots communities, she highlighted the daily struggles faced by vulnerable populations due to climate change. “All our lives, especially those of us from vulnerable communities, have now become a daily struggle,” she emphasized, calling for immediate actions that prioritize the hopes of people seeking a sustainable future.
Mourt-Sharif praised COP29’s approach to tackling urbanization and climate change together, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration. As Kuala Lumpur’s first female mayor, she described the climate challenges her city faces, including rising heatwaves and unpredictable storms. “Kuala Lumpur, like many cities all over the world, is facing ever greater challenges on a daily basis,” she noted, advocating for annual funding to protect green spaces and forests as vital carbon sinks.
The mayor also addressed plastic pollution, warning that by 2040, an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of plastic could pollute our environment, infiltrating “the air, water, and food we eat.” She urged for “nature-based solutions” and innovations to create sustainable cities with reduced reliance on vehicles, promoting walkability and biodiversity as key to lowering emissions.
In closing, Mourt-Sharif called for an immediate commitment to action beyond declarations, urging leaders to put “planet, people, and then profit” at the center of decision-making. Thanking Azerbaijan for hosting COP29, she quoted Azeri poet Nizami Ganjavi: “In the hour of adversity, be not without hope, for crystal rain falls from the black clouds.” She encouraged leaders to embrace resilience, advocating for peace with nature and each other.
President of Belarus’s Address
Updated 16:33 h GMT+4 – 12/11/24
The President of Belarus expressed frustration with “deep-seated bureaucracy in the UN,” which, he said, restricts substantive dialogue. He urged for the adaptation of national economies, especially agriculture, to cope with climate change, emphasizing, “The climate has changed. That’s a fact of life.”
The President highlighted the need for equitable access to green technology for developing countries, ensuring they do not “become enslaved as a result.” He called for international cooperation to eliminate barriers to technology sharing and best practices.
He also noted the importance of comprehensive environmental impact assessments, particularly for new “green” technologies that may cause unintended harm.
Finally, in a pointed remark, he criticized the absence of certain major players, including the U.S., and noted that “those who have to pay must pay and not hide in the shadows,” urging action and accountability under the Paris Agreement
President of Kazakhstan's Address
Updated 16:30h GMT+4 – 12/11/24
“Kazakhstan is firmly committed to the global climate agenda under the Paris Agreement, with an ambitious target of carbon neutrality by 2060. Achieving this goal requires reliable access to climate finance and advanced technologies. We urge the new climate finance goals to prioritize regions most vulnerable to climate change, especially landlocked developing countries.In Kazakhstan, we are leveraging innovative technologies, such as AI and satellite monitoring, for better water and land management. Our methane reduction efforts have already led to a threefold decrease in emissions from the coal, oil, gas, and agricultural sectors. With 200 million hectares of agricultural land, Kazakhstan is also positioned to lead in carbon farming, a set of practices aimed at reducing emissions and improving soil quality.As the world’s largest exporter of uranium, Kazakhstan plays a key role in low-carbon nuclear energy, and we are moving forward with the construction of a new nuclear power plant, ensuring its safety through global partnerships.We are also ready to supply critical minerals for the global energy transition, with a strong emphasis on responsible, just extraction practices. In the face of water-related disasters, which account for 80% of all natural disasters, Kazakhstan is introducing a comprehensive disaster risk management system and hosting the One Water Summit with France in December to discuss global water governance.Kazakhstan supports international cooperation to protect the Caspian Sea and is intensifying efforts to preserve the Aral Sea.We believe that, together, through transparent, inclusive climate action, we can rise to the challenge of addressing climate change and securing a sustainable future.”
WDHT Climate Hub Live Broadcast
Updated 16:30h GMT+4 – 12/11/24
https://youtu.be/rdRaE-COBXY
Over at the diplomatic zone, the COP 29 Climate Hub Daily live broadcast by We Don't Have Time is now underway. We Don't Have Time and its partners will explore the challenges and solutions to the climate crisis. They will bring in company leaders, policymakers, civil society leaders, and climate experts to discuss finance, policy, digitalization, and nature-based solutions as we closely follow the negotiations on-site in Baku. You can follow these very insightful discussions on YouTube or the We Don't Have Time app.
World Leaders Begin Speeches
Updated 15:00 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
The long-awaited speeches from world leaders have finally begun, following a delay of about an hour and a half. First up was Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who laid out his country's climate strategy and stressed the need for global solidarity.
Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, highlighting the importance of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). He urged the global community to focus on regions most affected by climate change, particularly landlocked developing countries like those in Central Asia, which, despite contributing only 1% of global emissions, are facing severe climate impacts.
“Kazakhstan is ideally positioned for carbon farming,” he stated, inviting international partners to explore this opportunity with his country. "We are ready to be a major supplier of energy transition minerals, offering numerous opportunities for corporations,” Tokayev added, signaling Kazakhstan’s potential in the green energy sector.
However, he also raised concerns about the environmental dangers facing the Caspian Sea, urging countries to collaborate on preserving this vital body of water. “The Caspian Sea is in danger, and we must act now,” Tokayev warned, calling for united international efforts to protect it.
Speaking earlier on, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech that touched on both his country’s energy resources and the broader global debate on climate action. Aliyev referred to Azerbaijan’s abundant oil and gas resources as a "gift from God", defending his country's role in the global energy market.
He took aim at "Western" critics, particularly from the United States and the European Union, who he claimed have targeted Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry. Aliyev accused these countries of engaging in a "well-orchestrated campaign of slander and blackmail" against his nation’s energy sector.
"As the president of COP29, we are strong advocates for the green transition, and we are already taking steps in that direction," Aliyev said. However, he stressed that realism was needed in the transition, cautioning that oil and gas would remain essential for global markets for the foreseeable future.
He further criticized what he called the "double standards" of Western countries, singling out the US as the world’s largest historic carbon emitter. “Politicians, state-controlled NGOs, and fake news media in some Western countries have turned hypocrisy into a kind of modus operandi,” he claimed.
“We’re Not Going to Tell People How to Live their Lives,” - UK PM
Updated 13:45 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to the country's ambitious new emissions reduction target of 81% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels, which he will soon formally announce. Starmer emphasized that the goal is achievable without imposing significant lifestyle changes on the public, such as limiting air travel or reducing meat consumption.
Instead, Starmer outlined that the focus would be on transitioning to clean power by 2030, which he argued would deliver both lower energy bills and greater energy independence for the UK. He highlighted the importance of energy security, noting that reducing dependence on foreign energy sources would insulate the UK from geopolitical pressures, such as those caused by Russia's actions in Ukraine.
“We’re not going to tell people how to live their lives,” Starmer said. “It’s about making sure that energy bills are stable, that we achieve energy independence, and that we create the next generation of jobs.” He also pointed to the economic opportunities in green industries, including a £1 billion investment in offshore wind, which is expected to create jobs in areas like Hull.
Starmer acknowledged the challenge of reaching the 81% target but expressed confidence that it was within reach. "It’s a difficult target, but it’s an achievable target," he said, stressing that the UK's leadership in addressing climate change would also position the nation to capitalize on the growing green economy.
In response to questions about global climate leadership, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband addressed concerns regarding the future of climate action under a potential second term for former US President Donald Trump, who has previously called climate change a "hoax." Miliband expressed optimism that common ground could be found with the incoming administration, particularly given the growing recognition of clean energy’s economic potential.
“The economics now point in the direction of clean energy,” Miliband said. “This is the single biggest job creator of our era, and people want to be ahead in that race.”
A Call From Space To Baku
Updated 13:42 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
From 260 miles above Earth, NASA astronauts Sonny Williams and Nick Hague delivered a powerful message calling for urgent action on climate change. Their words from the International Space Station reminded world leaders that our planet is changing rapidly, and the window for meaningful action is closing fast. Orbiting Earth every 90 minutes, Williams and Hague witness firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change: shrinking glaciers, wildfires, and extreme weather events.
"It's clear how interconnected we all are," Hague said. NASA's satellites are tracking key climate indicators, including rising seas and deforestation. This data is made freely available to the world. With the climate crisis accelerating, NASA emphasizes that this is a critical decade. "The world must act now," said Williams. Bold steps to cut emissions and protect ecosystems are essential to avoid catastrophic consequences. The astronauts concluded by urging world leaders to accelerate efforts, stating, "Time is running out."
Azerbaijan Defends COP 29 Hosting Amid Criticism
Updated 12:00 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Azerbaijan’s President delivers a bold response to Western critics of COP29 in Baku, taking aim at “fake news media,” “political hypocrisy,” and NGOs pushing a boycott. He champions Azerbaijan’s natural resources as “God’s gifts,” arguing that no country should apologize for using its oil, gas, or minerals to meet global market demands. “Our resources are here for the world’s benefit,” he asserted, challenging any blame aimed at Azerbaijan’s resource economy.
The President highlighted a recent request from the European Commission for more Azerbaijani gas to stabilize energy security in Europe, underscoring the nation’s vital role in the EU energy mix. “We didn’t ask—Europe did,” he pointed out. Now, Azerbaijani gas supports eight EU countries, thanks to a 2022 strategic agreement.
Despite calls for a boycott, COP 29 in Baku has drawn around 66,778 participants from 196 countries, including 80 heads of state and prime ministers. Although attendance has dipped slightly compared to COP 28 in Dubai. The President’s parting shot to critics? “To those pushing against us—look who showed up. Welcome to Azerbaijan.
2024 is a "Masterclass in Climate Destruction" - UN Secretary-General
Updated 12:35 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Earlier today, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stark message to world leaders, calling 2024 a “masterclass in climate destruction” and underscoring the global urgency for action. Guterres warned that the climate crisis is intensifying, with extreme weather events affecting communities worldwide, from hurricanes to heatwaves, floods, and droughts. "No country is spared," he stressed, emphasizing the urgent need for emissions reductions and robust financial support for the most vulnerable nations.
He called on leaders to urgently reduce emissions by 9% annually through 2030 to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach, and he urged immediate investment in climate adaptation, particularly for developing countries. Guterres pointed to the barriers these nations face—high borrowing costs, insufficient finance, and mounting climate disasters—and demanded that wealthy nations deliver on promises to fund the global transition to clean energy.
“Climate finance is not charity, it’s an investment,” Guterres said, highlighting the need for bold action, particularly from the G20 nations, to meet the finance goal of $1 trillion per year. “Developing nations must not leave Baku empty-handed,” he concluded, calling for transformative action to secure a livable future for all.
A Smaller Family Photo This Year
Updated 11:55 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
The world leaders at COP 29 gathered for their annual family photo, a tradition that marks the start of the high-level segments of the talks. However, this year's photo is a bit less crowded than usual. It's a smaller gathering compared to last year's COP 28. Big names like the US, China, and Germany are missing from the lineup.
Attendance Dips This Year
Updated 11:35 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
The UNFCCC has announced the provisional number of participants for COP 29 at 66,778. While this is still significantly higher than all previous conferences, it marks a decrease from the 83,884 attendees at last year's event in the United Arab Emirates. Historically, attendance at these conferences has been steadily rising. COP 27 saw participation of around 49,704 delegates, and COP 26 in Glasgow hosted 38,457.
Notably, officials from the Taliban are attending COP 29, marking their first presence at a UN climate conference since regaining power in Afghanistan in 2021. However, due to the UN's non-recognition of the Taliban regime, the group cannot fully participate in proceedings. According to Reuters, they were invited by host nation Azerbaijan to potentially participate in fringe discussions and hold bilateral meetings. Afghanistan has grappled with drought for decades and is considered one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Detailed Participant Breakdown;
- Parties (countries): 195 (states)/17,680 (participants)
- Observer organizations: 2,052 (organisations)/13,386 (participants)
- Conference invitees: 1,294 participants
- Host country guests: 1,880 participants
- Media: 1,454 (outlets) /3,575 (participants)
- Other categories (technical staff, volunteers, security, etc.): 14,473
- Virtual participation: 780 (states/organisations)/ 3,975 (participants)
Climate Crisis Exacerbates Refugee Crisis - UNHCR
Updated 11:05 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
A new report released by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) today paints a grim picture of the intersection between climate change and forced displacement. The report reveals that three-quarters of the world's 120 million displaced people are residing in countries heavily impacted by climate breakdown.
The study further predicts that by 2040, a staggering 65 nations will grapple with "extreme climate-related hazards." This alarming trend is expected to exacerbate existing humanitarian crises and create new waves of displacement.
The report underscores the stark inequality in climate financing, with "extremely fragile states" receiving a mere $2 per person per year for adaptation measures. In contrast, non-fragile states receive a significantly higher allocation of $161 per person. Additionally, the majority of climate finance is directed towards urban areas, leaving rural communities, often the most vulnerable, underserved.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, expressed deep concern over this climate injustice;
"The climate emergency represents a deep injustice. People forced to flee, and the communities hosting them, are the least responsible for carbon emissions yet are paying the highest price. The billions of dollars in climate financing never reach them, and humanitarian assistance cannot adequately cover the ever-widening gap. Solutions are at hand, but we need urgent action. Without proper resources and support, those affected will be trapped"
The report calls for immediate and substantial action to address the dual challenges of climate change and forced displacement. This includes increased funding for climate adaptation and resilience-building in vulnerable regions, as well as innovative solutions to protect and support displaced populations.
World Leaders Descend On Baku, But the Big Shots Are Skipping Town
Updated 10:35 GMT+4 – 12/11/24
After a slow start and high tensions yesterday, the spotlight today shifts to world leaders as they arrive for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit. Despite notable absences from key players like the US, Germany and China, several leaders are expected to make significant announcements. US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are all notable absentees. This leaves a leadership vacuum, particularly given the ongoing political turmoil in Germany and the US.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is one of the few major economy leaders to attend, and he is expected to unveil the UK's updated climate action plan (NDC) and announce a new deal to attract private sector investment in climate finance.
Other key leaders present include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Mottley is known for her passionate advocacy for climate justice and innovative financing solutions.
The COP presidency will be keen to use the presence of world leaders to galvanise the negotiations and ensure meaningful progress is made.
Good Morning!
Updated 10:30h GMT+4 – 12/11/24
Welcome to the second day of our live coverage of COP29.
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Promoting sustainability and creating more opportunities and innovation to achieve resource sustainability and balance that with achieving climate justice and carbon neutrality in 2050 without conflicting with achieving food security for all the inhabitants of the blue planet.
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A “GREEN WORLD” means very little if people have nothing to eat, no drinking water to drink, no peaceful environment wherein they could sleep and no money in hand to buy anything enhancing their future lives, their dreams and their education and healthcare systems to hope to survive, even when they are prone to afrondt each new day a new environmental disaster as it’s the case today and certainly will be even more likely the case tomorrow. Therefore we must first solve all of these crucial problems to provide a real and hopeful living environment for each of us, the enhancing and decorating of this environment with beautiful green trees may follow later, as a consolidation of that wonderful living space, to create even more happy faces between the population of a world which is absolutely on the brink of a complete collapse and that disaster could never be helped by painting everything “green”.