Pressure is increasing for reform at COP29 due to concerns about the influence of fossil fuel interests within the climate negotiations.
A coalition of climate experts, including Christiana Figueres and Ban Ki-moon, has called for countries expanding fossil fuel production to be barred from holding COP presidencies. The current COP29 presidency, led by Azerbaijan, has shown little inclination towards a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. President Ilham Aliyev has defended fossil fuel interests in his climate-related speeches, raising concerns about the integrity of the negotiations. There is also a call for a conflict of interest policy to separate fossil fuel lobbying from the COP process.
Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency has introduced the "COP Truce" initiative, which aims to pause global conflicts during the climate talks. This initiative has received support from 132 countries, but critics argue that it distracts from more pressing climate action efforts in conflict-affected regions.
The presidency has also launched the 'Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery,' which seeks to develop strategies to prevent climate-induced conflicts and support vulnerable nations. However, concerns have been raised about hosting the summit in Azerbaijan, given its role as a major crude oil supplier to Israel and the presence of a large Russian delegation.
At COP29, a significant gap in adaptation funding has emerged as a pressing issue. The Adaptation Fund, which plays a crucial role in building resilience against climate change impacts, has only secured $61 million in contributions from donor countries, falling short of its $300 million annual goal. This shortfall raises questions about the commitment of governments to adaptation efforts.
Despite this, there is still potential for additional pledges before the conclusion of COP29, with several European countries, led by Spain, making commitments to the Adaptation Fund. However, the overall funding landscape remains precarious, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to mobilize financial resources for climate adaptation initiatives.