The United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a contentious $300 billion annual global finance agreement aimed at aiding developing nations in tackling climate change. However, the intended beneficiaries of this deal have widely criticized it, calling the proposal “an insult.”
A Disappointing Outcome
Developing countries had initially sought over $1 trillion to address the multifaceted climate crisis comprehensively. The stark disparity between their demands and the adopted target led to deep dissatisfaction. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed his disappointment, stating on social media, “I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome, on both finance and mitigation, to meet the great challenge we face.”
He further stressed that the agreement must be honored in full and on time, urging that “commitments must quickly become cash.”
Divided Reactions
Speakers from several developing nations voiced sharp criticism of the agreement during the conference’s closing sessions. Delegates described the talks as “chaotic, poorly managed, and a complete failure in delivering the ambition required.”
The deal, adopted after two weeks of intense negotiations, sets a target of $1.3 trillion by 2035 for global climate financing. This amount is necessary to fund energy transitions in lower-income nations and keep global temperature rise under 1.5 degrees Celsius. Beyond this threshold, scientists warn, global warming will have catastrophic and irreversible consequences.
Progress Amid Challenges
Despite the heated debates, the summit made progress on several fronts. Countries agreed to rules for a UN-backed global carbon market, which will enable trading of carbon credits and incentivize emission reductions. The conference also extended programs addressing gender and climate change.
The $300 billion annual finance target replaces the previous $100 billion goal set to expire in 2025. However, negotiations were fraught with tension, including reports of walkouts by representatives from least developed countries and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
Voices of Hope and Frustration
For vulnerable nations, the deal represents a faint glimmer of hope—contingent on swift action. “Commitments must quickly become cash,” Guterres reiterated, emphasizing the urgency of delivering on promises.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell called the finance goal an “insurance policy for humanity,” but cautioned that it will only work if commitments are met in full and on time. “This deal will protect billions of lives and accelerate the clean energy boom,” he said.
Meanwhile, small island nations expressed despair at the perceived inadequacy of the agreement. One representative remarked, “We are literally sinking, and this outcome highlights the stark disparity between our realities and those of developed nations.”
A Divided Global Landscape
The geopolitical divide was evident throughout COP29. While some delegations, including the European Union, hailed the deal for bringing more private investment to the table, others argued that it fell short of addressing critical issues such as phasing out fossil fuels.
The Road Ahead
As the world departs from Baku, the focus now shifts to COP30, set to be hosted in Brazil’s eastern Amazonian region next year. With a mountain of unresolved challenges, the global community faces an uphill task in bridging the gap between commitments and actionable solutions.
Guterres’ closing remarks encapsulated the mood: “This is no time for victory laps. We must redouble our efforts to tackle the climate crisis with urgency and unity.”