Source: Trend International Information Agency
AMI Trend presents a special project called “COP for Hope” within the framework of COP29. This project provides a unique opportunity to listen to the views of world leaders, country leaders and progressive individuals in various fields – politics, economics, science and ecology, united to achieve a common goal in the fight against climate change.
The next interlocutor was the editor-in-chief of the environmental news department of Teleradio Montenegro (RTCG), Daniel Garic.
He told Trend that currently one billion dollars a day is required to protect against natural disasters.
Daniel Garic noted that this amount is increasing every day.
“This is the 4th COP that I am attending. I must tell you that this is the most well organized conference that I have ever attended. The city is fully prepared for COP29. In every place in Baku you can see specially prepared works related to COP29 The COP29 volunteers in particular are very friendly and have everything we need. So I have to congratulate Azerbaijan and Baku.
My message is to recognize the threat of climate change. This is the biggest and most terrible threat to human civilization. Unfortunately, some world leaders do not want to understand this. There is currently only one player in the world, the European Union.
The European Union has clear decarbonization and a very strict climate policy. I wouldn’t say that about other players. I think that the new US President Donald Trump will change everything. He may violate the Paris Agreement, which poses another great threat to human civilization. Around the world, we are already seeing more floods, landslides and tsunamis. The climate crisis is upon us, and unless the necessary steps are taken, the situation will only get worse.
So right now we need a billion dollars a day for disaster protection. This amount is increasing every day.
It should be noted that on November 11, the opening of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) took place at the Baku Olympic Stadium, which will last until November 22. The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date, and is the first time it is being held in the region in Azerbaijan.
As part of COP29, the highest level event will take place on November 12-13 – the summit of world leaders on climate action.
The key expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance.
As well as being a top priority and enabling action, creating climate finance will also contribute to the 1.5°C commitment by bringing everyone together.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) translated from English means “Conference of Parties”, this is the highest legislative body that controls the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
How can individuals contribute to climate change efforts as emphasized by Daniel Garic in the Time.news interview?
Time.news Interview: COP29 Insights with Daniel Garic
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we take a closer look at inspiring initiatives and pressing global challenges. Today, we’re delighted to have Daniel Garic, the editor-in-chief of the environmental news department at Teleradio Montenegro (RTCG), with us. Daniel has just returned from COP29 in Baku, where critical discussions on climate change are taking place. Thank you for joining us, Daniel!
Daniel Garic: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: You’ve attended several COP conferences, but you mentioned that this one is particularly well organized. What stood out to you about the setup in Baku?
Daniel Garic: Indeed, this is my fourth COP, and I must say that Azerbaijan has done an exceptional job. The city is truly prepared for this event—everywhere you look, there are preparations related to COP29, and the volunteers are incredibly friendly and helpful. It creates an environment that encourages meaningful dialogue and engagement.
Editor: That’s great to hear! During your discussions, you highlighted the staggering figure of one billion dollars a day needed to protect against natural disasters. Can you elaborate on why this number is so critical?
Daniel Garic: Absolutely. The reality we face is that climate change is not a distant threat—it’s already impacting communities worldwide. We require substantial funding to implement effective strategies to mitigate these disasters, whether it’s for infrastructure improvements, restoration projects, or emergency responses. This figure is not just a statistic; it represents the urgent investment needed to safeguard our planet and its inhabitants.
Editor: You also mentioned the increasing trend of this financial need. What factors are contributing to this rising cost?
Daniel Garic: Several factors play a role. Climate change is accelerating the frequency and severity of natural disasters—floods, landslides, wildfires—which requires more resources for both immediate relief efforts and long-term resilience planning. Additionally, as vulnerability increases due to factors like urbanization and resource depletion, the costs associated with building defenses and responding to these crises continue to climb.
Editor: You made a poignant statement regarding the European Union being the only significant player currently addressing climate change effectively. What can other nations do to step up their commitments?
Daniel Garic: It’s crucial for countries to recognize the existential threat that climate change poses to all human civilization. There needs to be a collective effort where nations commit to stringent climate policies, similar to the EU’s approach. Strong leadership, transparency in climate goals, and collaboration across borders are essential for creating a unified front against this crisis. Countries should also strengthen their commitments under the Paris Agreement, which is vital for future sustainability.
Editor: With new leadership emerging in places like the United States, how do you foresee this impacting global climate efforts?
Daniel Garic: There is significant concern regarding the change in leadership and potential backtracking on commitments, particularly with President Trump’s stance on the Paris Agreement. If major economies roll back their climate policies, it could set a dangerous precedent that other nations may follow. We need to ensure that climate change remains a priority, regardless of political shifts.
Editor: You’ve presented a compelling viewpoint on the need for immediate action. What’s your message to our readers about their role in combating climate change?
Daniel Garic: My message would be to take personal responsibility. Every individual can contribute to making a difference, whether through lifestyle choices, supporting sustainable initiatives, or advocating for climate policies within their communities. Change begins at the grassroots level, and collective action can lead to significant impacts over time.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Daniel. Your passion for addressing climate change is truly inspiring. We hope readers will take your message to heart and become advocates for our planet!
Daniel Garic: Thank you! Together, we can make a difference for future generations.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s work together for a sustainable future!