Baku climate summit: Earth's last chance?

In the heart of Baku, Azerbaijan, the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP29, has commenced, drawing global leaders, activists, and citizens alike to confront one of humanity's most pressing challenges: climate change.

COP29, running from 11-22 November, arrives at a moment when the climate crisis has moved from abstract threat to lived reality. 

The stakes have never been higher. The summer of 2024 has shattered temperature records, while floods and fires have wreaked havoc across continents. 

The urgency surrounding climate action has reached a critical point. Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate that global average temperatures are approaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Without immediate and significant cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, we could be on track for a catastrophic rise of 2.6 to 3.1°C this century. 

In this context, COP29 has been aptly dubbed the "Finance COP," as securing financial commitments for climate initiatives in developing nations will be a top priority. An estimated $2 trillion is needed annually by 2030 for these countries to effectively combat climate change and transition to sustainable energy sources. 

As delegates gather in Baku, they are reminded that time is running out. The window of opportunity to limit global warming to 1.5°C is closing rapidly. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized this urgency, stating that “COP29 must tear down the walls of climate finance. Developing countries must not leave Baku empty-handed.”

The COP29 Presidency has articulated a dual approach: enhancing ambition through transparent national plans and enabling action via robust financial mechanisms. 

In his opening remarks, Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-Designate, emphasized that "climate action is a common commitment that requires leadership from everyone." 

As discussions unfold over these two weeks, the world watches closely, hopeful that this summit will mark a significant turning point in our collective efforts—a fight we cannot afford to lose if we wish to secure a sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants.

The annual UN Climate Change Conferences are the world’s primary multilateral decision-making forum on climate change, bringing together almost every country on Earth.