NAIROBI, Kenya- The COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, is hanging by a thread as delegates wrestle with unresolved issues crucial to combating the global climate crisis.
Hopes were high as environment ministers convened, yet the conference’s lofty goals have been overshadowed by a glaring lack of consensus.
Here’s where the negotiations stand—and what’s at stake.
One of the thorniest issues is the transition away from fossil fuels. Despite agreements forged at COP28, progress has stalled. Azerbaijan—whose oil industry drives 90pc of its economy—has yet to take meaningful steps to phase it out.
This impasse has drawn criticism from civil society groups, particularly from Africa, which is disproportionately affected by climate change.
These groups have threatened to walk out of the talks unless developed nations commit to significant funding for climate adaptation and mitigation.
For context, the G20, which accounts for 80pc of global greenhouse gas emissions, remains a dominant force in these discussions. Yet, their inability to align on actionable steps underscores the magnitude of the challenge.
Climate finance remains another contentious topic. African nations are demanding $1.3 trillion from developed countries to tackle the climate crisis.
However, the Global North insists on a blended approach, incorporating both public and private sector funding—a proposal that has not sat well with many developing nations.
Despite earlier affirmations by the G20 during their meeting in Brazil to support “collective quantified goals,” the lack of concrete action has left negotiators exasperated.
This deadlock threatens the credibility of the conference as an effective platform for global climate solutions.
As the negotiations drag on, ministers from wealthier nations have scrambled to inject momentum into the talks.
Yet, grandstanding and conflicting interests have eroded trust among stakeholders. The African bloc’s potential walkout adds another layer of urgency, signaling just how dire the situation has become.
Amid the frustration, many are clinging to the hope that the conference will find its footing in the eleventh hour. COP29’s outcome could either reaffirm global unity in the fight against climate change—or serve as a cautionary tale of squandered opportunity.
