From COP 29 Live Blog - So from the diplomatic backchannels, we are just learning that Argentina has officially withdrawn from COP 29. The move, confirmed by Argentina’s Undersecretary for the Environment Ana Lamas in a press gaggle, comes after direct instructions from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lamas, the highest-ranking climate and environmental official in the country following President Javier Milei’s recent downgrading of the Ministry of Environment, confirmed the decision to halt participation. When asked about the implications for Argentina’s stance on the Paris Agreement, Lamas declined to comment directly, leaving uncertainty about whether the country plans to formally exit the landmark climate accord. "It’s true. We have instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to no longer participate. That’s all I can tell you," Lamas said in a brief statement.
Milei, a controversial far-right leader, has previously dismissed the climate crisis as a "socialist lie" and threatened to withdraw from the Paris Agreement during his presidential campaign. However, despite these statements, he has since walked back on a complete exit, leaving room for speculation on Argentina’s future climate commitments.
In the broader context, Milei’s administration appears to be aligning with more populist and climate-skeptical rhetoric. Just yesterday, Milei held a call with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, after which a spokesperson for Milei confirmed that Trump referred to him as his "favourite president."
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3 w
We are at a crucial time where we need more countries to be committed to matters of climate change and this by Argentina, is not good.
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3 w
Nice
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4 w
so sad to hear about this
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Dear Professor Aniebiet Inyang Ntui Your climate warning has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Javier Milei by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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4 w
This is a great setback for the world's common front towards facing the climate change enemy. It is sad to see President Javier Milei still in denial of climate change impacts.
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4 w
This is quite discouraging. If countries start pulling out, it undermines the whole purpose of these international gatherings.
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4 w
President Javier Milei has been a loud climate change denier and it is not strange that he would direct withdrawal of his country from such a crucial summit. The UN should have powers to sanction countries that are involved in such setbacks
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4 w
It’s crucial for countries in the region to stand together and push for stronger climate action, not turn away from it
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4 w
This is very disappointing. This is going to have a detrimental effect on the goals towards a sustainable future.
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This is very concerning! This decision risks isolating Argentina on the climate stage at a critical time for global action.
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@gorffly_mokua The government of Argentina must recall this detrimental decision and commit to do the right thing, by joining the world in the fight against climate change.