Key topics at COP29 include securing new funding mechanisms for developing nations to combat and adapt to climate change, updating national climate action plans, and addressing ongoing commitments to reduce fossil fuel reliance.
Trump's Election and Its Impact on COP29
Donald Trump's recent re-election as U.S. President, given his history of climate skepticism, could have profound implications for the climate talks:
- Paris Agreement Withdrawal:
Trump is expected to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement again, potentially undermining the treaty's effectiveness. This could embolden other nations hesitant about ambitious climate commitments to follow suit. - Reduction in U.S. Climate Finance:
The U.S., a significant contributor to global climate finance, may cut funds for developing countries. This would create challenges in achieving the anticipated $1 trillion annual funding goal by 2030 for emerging economies. - Stalled Progress at COP29:
The U.S. delegation under President Biden is still negotiating at COP29, but their agreements may lack binding authority under the incoming administration, reducing their leverage. - Potential for New Alliances:
Trump's election might galvanize other nations into forming stronger coalitions to counterbalance the U.S.'s reduced role. European and developing countries, for example, could take on more significant leadership in climate initiatives.
Why COP29 in Azerbaijan is Controversial
Hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan has raised concerns:
- Fossil Fuel Dependence: Azerbaijan plans to expand natural gas production by a third over the next decade, contradicting the summit's goals of phasing out fossil fuels. President Ilham Aliyev even called oil and gas a "gift of God" during the conference.
- Human Rights Issues: Azerbaijan has a poor human rights record, with numerous political prisoners and crackdowns on dissent. Critics argue this undermines the summit's inclusivity and transparency.
- Diplomatic Challenges: Observers worry that Azerbaijan lacks the diplomatic influence to broker significant agreements, further compounded by the absence of key world leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden, China's Xi Jinping, and India's Narendra Modi.
The Broader Context
The 2024 climate crisis has been marked by record-breaking global temperatures, devastating hurricanes, and catastrophic flooding. These underscore the urgent need for international collaboration to address climate change. However, lingering divisions between developed and developing countries over funding, accountability, and action plans remain a major obstacle.
While COP29 may see limited progress due to these challenges, the outcomes could still influence global energy policies, climate finance distribution, and long-term efforts to mitigate the climate crisis.