The ongoing COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan is highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change. Discussions at the summit are focused on national climate plans and reducing fossil fuel dependency.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the need for countries to align their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Guterres has called for a 30% reduction in global fossil fuel production and consumption by 2030 to achieve this target. He has also emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of scientists, activists, and youth, despite criticisms from leaders like Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced an ambitious emissions reduction target of 81% by 2035 from 1990 levels, recommended by the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC). This target aims to strengthen the UK's position as a climate leader, although concerns have been raised about the country's ability to meet its current target of 68% by 2030. Campaigners have welcomed the new target but are calling for a more robust action plan, particularly regarding the UK's stance on oil and gas licensing.
Developing countries, represented by the G77 and China, are demanding a more substantial climate finance goal. They are pushing for an annual target of $1.3 trillion, including specific sub-goals for mitigation, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage caused by climate change. The G77 insists that negotiations should not expand the contributor base to include wealthier emerging economies, which is a point of contention with developed nations.
There is a divide between developed and developing countries regarding the conditions for climate finance. Developing nations seek direct support for climate initiatives, while developed countries want exclusions that prevent funding for fossil fuel projects and activities that could harm human rights. This disagreement highlights the complexities of international climate negotiations.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has defended fossil fuels, stating that the country accounts for less than 1% of global oil and gas production. He argues that nations should not be blamed for leveraging their natural resources in international markets. However, Azerbaijan heavily relies on oil and gas, which constitutes two-thirds of its revenue. Aliyev's stance has been met with criticism from climate advocates, including UN Secretary-General Guterres.
The contrasting positions of developed and developing nations, as well as the role of fossil fuels, will shape the future of global climate policy. The outcomes of the COP29 discussions will impact national commitments and international efforts to combat climate change.