"Standing still is retreat, and the world will judge us harshly if this is the outcome," stated UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband. The UK, European Union, New Zealand, and Ireland have collectively called the draft proposal "unacceptable."

Developing nations have expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of a concrete financial plan to support their climate change efforts. The nearly 200 countries gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, aim to decide on the next steps in tackling the global climate crisis.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning, stating, "Failure is not an option." The core challenge of the talks lies in balancing financial commitments from developed nations with global pledges to reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Oil-rich and some developing nations remain hesitant to take strong actions against fossil fuels, citing potential threats to economic growth. In an open session, EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra criticized the draft deal as "unbalanced, unworkable, and unsubtle." Similarly, US Climate Envoy John Podesta lamented the lack of progress, saying, "We will have failed in our duty to millions already suffering from extreme weather."

Representing small island nations, Samoan Minister Cedric Schuster stressed the importance of maintaining progress made at COP28, where nations agreed to transition away from fossil fuels.

Ireland's Environment Minister Eamon Ryan emphasized that ambition on mitigation is critical: "If we do not get ambition on mitigation, then everything else fails."

Host Nation Criticized
Diplomats have expressed frustration with Azerbaijan, accusing the hosts of favoring the perspectives of groups like the Arab nations and the Like-Minded Group (Saudi Arabia, China, India, and Bolivia). Saudi representatives have downplayed the previous fossil fuel agreement, describing it as a menu of options rather than a concrete directive.

Minister Ryan condemned the perceived "backsliding," stating, "There has been an attempt to reinterpret last year's commitments, undermining progress."

Finance Disputes
Developing nations have also criticized wealthier countries for failing to meet financial promises made under the Paris Agreement of 2015, which pledged support for poorer nations transitioning away from fossil fuels and adapting to climate change.

The proposed finance agreement, released Thursday, lacks a specific figure. Bolivia's lead negotiator Diego Pacheco dismissed it as "offensive" to the demands of the global south, calling for political will to provide meaningful funding.

The G77+China group, representing developing nations, has called for $1.3 trillion by 2030, with contributions from governments and private entities. They also seek clarity on how much funding will come as grants versus loans, fearing increased debt burdens.

Evans Njewa, chair of the Least Developed Countries Group, noted: "I have heard figures in the corridors, but nothing official."

The ongoing disagreements underscore the deep divide between developed and developing nations as they grapple with the urgent need for climate action.