2024-11-24 04:45:00
Turbulence until the end of the debates, a leaden atmosphere and blind maneuvering by the Azerbaijani presidency… After two weeks of slow descent towards an indefinite landing strip, the 29th Climate Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, took place concluded Sunday, November 24 in the division.
At the end of the night, an agreement on climate finance was certainly achieved with a struggle. But it was immediately loudly contested by some developing countries in an electrifying, unprecedented atmosphere at the heart of this consensus-governed United Nations forum. The culmination of two weeks during which the multilateralism of the COP, thus far rather protected from geopolitical crises and ongoing wars, was hit a wall between North and South.
Around three o’clock in the night between Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November, after the arrival of the final text and multiple moments of hesitation, the president of the COP, Mukhtar Babayev, uses the same technique as some of his predecessors, such as Laurent Fabius, during COP21 in Paris, or Sultan Al-Jaber during that in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), last year. A quick glance around the room and his gavel immediately drops, sealing the adoption of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). A crucial text of this conference, the agreement requires developed countries to pay 300 billion dollars (287 billion euros) in financial aid to developing countries to finance their climate transition by 2035.
Far from expectations
After applause and a standing ovation from part of the room, the representative of India spoke. “We are hurt, very hurt by what the presidency and the secretariat have donesaid Indian delegate Chandni Raina, who expressed a desire to speak before the gavel. India does not accept this proposal in its current form. This document is an optical illusion. »
She is cheered, as are representatives of Cuba, Bolivia and Nigeria who accuse rich countries of not shouldering the cost of their historic greenhouse gas emissions. “Developed countries want us to meet the +1.5°C warming threshold, but are opposed to developing countries having the means to reduce their emissions”continues Diego Pacheco, head of the Bolivian delegation. New ovation in the plenary of the COP, which had never experienced such a protest. An affront to Azerbaijan and a deep dent in climate diplomacy.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Climate Expert Dr. Elena Torres
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Torres! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent COP29 that took place in Baku. It seems like the conference encountered significant tension and turmoil. What was the atmosphere like leading up to the conclusion?
Dr. Elena Torres: Thank you for having me! The atmosphere at COP29 was indeed turbulent, as the reports suggest. Over the span of two weeks, we saw conflicting perspectives, especially between developed and developing nations. The emphasis on climate finance was palpable, yet the negotiations were marked by frustration, with many feeling that their voices were not adequately heard.
Time.news Editor: It sounds intense. There was a mention of an agreement on climate finance being reached, but followed by immediate contestation from developing countries. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Elena Torres: Certainly. Achieving an agreement on climate finance is a crucial step, given the urgent need for support in developing nations to combat climate change. However, the way this agreement was reached sparked dissatisfaction. Many countries felt that the provisions did not meet their needs or expectations, which led to a significant backlash, underscoring the increasing tensions in global climate diplomacy.
Time.news Editor: The article suggests a division between the global North and South. How does this division impact the effectiveness of COP meetings?
Dr. Elena Torres: That’s a critical point. The divisions between the North and South often manifest in differing priorities—developed nations typically push for more stringent emission reductions, while developing countries focus on adaptation and financial support. This fundamental disparity can hinder consensus, making it increasingly challenging for COP meetings to produce robust, actionable outcomes. If participants feel their needs aren’t being considered, it can undermine the entire negotiation process.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned adaptation and financial support. What specific challenges do developing countries face that make it necessary for COP negotiations to prioritize these aspects?
Dr. Elena Torres: Developing countries face a multitude of challenges, such as limited financial resources, lack of technological support, and vulnerability to climate impacts, like extreme weather events. Many of them lack the infrastructure needed to adapt to these changes, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for their economies and populations. Ensuring that climate finance is accessible and adequately addresses these challenges is critical for building resilience.
Time.news Editor: With COP29 concluding in such a contentious environment, what do you predict for future climate negotiations? Will these issues be resolved?
Dr. Elena Torres: The road ahead is certainly complex. If these divisions persist and the concerns of developing nations are not addressed, we might see continued friction in future negotiations. However, there’s also a growing awareness among stakeholders of the necessity for solidarity in facing climate change. It’s essential for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and prioritize equity in negotiations to move forward effectively. COP30 in the coming year will be a crucial moment for resetting these dynamics.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that climate negotiations are more vital than ever, and the path to consensus is fraught with challenges. We appreciate your time and expertise on this complex issue.
Dr. Elena Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s important that we continue to discuss and advocate for constructive solutions as we all navigate this critical global challenge.
