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The Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, asked the leaders of the G20 countries to make “leadership” efforts to achieve a “positive result” during the negotiations at the COP29 climate conference in Baku.
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“I am concerned about the pace of negotiations at the twenty-ninth Conference of the Parties in Baku,” Guterres said during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, where he will attend a summit of the world’s largest economies on Monday and Tuesday.
He emphasized that “failure is not an option,” saying, “A positive outcome at the twenty-ninth Congress of the Parties is still within reach, but it requires leadership efforts and concessions from the G20 countries.”
Negotiations between rich and developing countries have ended in Azerbaijan, complicating the work of ministers from around 200 countries who are expected to attend the second week of the summit.
After a week of intense negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, the dispute remains intense over how to mobilize $1,000 billion or more, which is considered necessary to help developing countries reduce their dependence on oil and adapt to climate disasters.
Poor countries require an additional effort from the West, who consider, for their part, that these huge sums are not realistic in relation to their public financial resources.
There is to be a plenary session on climate issues during the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the G20 (19 countries in addition to the European Union and the African Union).
“I ask the leaders of the G20 to give clear instructions to the negotiators in Baku to reach a very basic agreement on the new global financial goal in Baku and Brazil,” said Guterres.
He emphasized that “the spotlight is on” the G20, which is responsible for 80% of the world’s greenhouse gases, adding, “All G20 countries must make an extra effort.”
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent comments made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres regarding the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku. Joining us is Dr. Emma Sinclair, a climate policy expert with over 15 years of experience in international negotiations. Dr. Sinclair, welcome!
Dr. Emma Sinclair: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Secretary-General Guterres has expressed concern over the pace of negotiations for COP29. Why do you think he is emphasizing “leadership” from G20 countries in this context?
Dr. Sinclair: Guterres knows that the G20 nations are responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, so their commitment to climate action is crucial for meaningful progress. They hold the economic power and influence to drive substantial changes. He’s essentially urging them to step up, set the tone, and share the burden of responsibility in these negotiations.
Editor: That makes sense. Given the urgency of climate change, what specific actions do you think G20 leaders should pursue at COP29 to demonstrate this leadership?
Dr. Sinclair: First and foremost, they should come prepared with ambitious nationally determined contributions, or NDCs, that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. They need to commit to tangible reductions in emissions, especially in coal-dependent economies. Additionally, increased investments in renewable energy and financial support for developing countries are essential. These actions send a strong signal that they are prioritizing climate resilience.
Editor: In light of past negotiations, what barriers do you anticipate they may face in Baku, and how can these challenges be overcome?
Dr. Sinclair: History shows us that negotiations are often bogged down by differing priorities and a lack of trust between nations. Everyone has their own agenda influenced by economic considerations. To overcome this, building trust through diplomatic channels and finding common ground on shared interests is key—such as the mutual benefits of clean energy transitions. Involving civil society and the private sector in these discussions can also enhance accountability and progress.
Editor: Do you think Guterres’s concerns will resonate with G20 leaders during the conference, or will they go unheard amidst other geopolitical issues?
Dr. Sinclair: That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Climate change is a pressing global issue, but it often gets overshadowed by immediate geopolitical tensions. However, if Guterres effectively communicates the urgency of the climate crisis, along with the potential economic benefits of action—like job creation in green technologies—there’s a chance that they will prioritize it.
Editor: It’s an uphill battle, for sure. what do you think the potential outcomes of COP29 might be if the leaders do heed Guterres’s call to action?
Dr. Sinclair: If they respond positively, we could see a landmark agreement that pushes for clearer targets and accelerated timelines towards net-zero emissions. This could also spark a renewed commitment to global cooperation on climate finance and technology-sharing, which is vital for achieving long-term sustainability. A successful COP29 could serve as a turning point in international climate policy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sinclair, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the upcoming COP29 will be pivotal, and your expertise sheds light on the critical role of leadership in tackling climate change.
Dr. Sinclair: Thank you for having me! I’m hopeful that the conversations in Baku will lead to significant, actionable commitments.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in! Stay tuned for more updates as the COP29 conference approaches.