From the ground at COP29
As the COP29 summit approaches its close in Baku, the goals have been clear: increase global efforts to reduce emissions and establish a solid financial plan to help with climate action. Civil society groups and developing nations have been especially vocal, advocating for a financial goal that lives up to the principle of "making polluters pay" by ensuring substantial support flows from wealthy to developing countries.
Financial challenges in meeting global needs
A major topic here has been how to best support developing nations financially, so they can transition to clean energy and better withstand climate changes. While developing countries are asking for trillions in aid, the developed nations have been reserved with commitments. For example, the European Union has suggested providing $200 billion to $300 billion a year, emphasizing the importance of private finance. This proposal has stirred mixed reactions on whether this is enough to meet massive global needs.
(Photo credit: UN Climate Change - Kamran Guliyev)
Maintaining focus on the urgency of mitigation
There's been some good news too, with promising commitments from the UK and Brazil inspiring hope. These countries plan to improve their climate plans in the upcoming year (the UK aims to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035), showing that progress in climate ambition is possible.
As parties to the Paris Agreement are encouraged to submit new, more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (climate plans) in the upcoming deadline (February 2025), the UNFCCC Secretary General, Simon Stiell, points out that "Money talks, and as we enter the second quarter of this century, it's saying loud and clear: there's no stopping the clean energy juggernaut, and the vast benefits it brings: stronger growth, more jobs, less pollution and inflation, cheaper and cleaner energy. The list of benefits goes on".
Simon Stiel, Secretary General of the UNFCCC (Photo credit: UN Climate Change | Kiara Worth)
The role of civil society at COP29
Negotiators at COP29 face significant pressure as they represent their national interests while responding to the active presence of civil society. Civil society's influence is evident through various protests, visual demonstrations, and debates with national and regional representatives discussing real solutions and demands. The Climate Reality Project Europe, as part of the Climate Action Network Europe delegation—the largest coalition of European non-profit organizations focused on climate issues—has engaged extensively with high-level representatives from the EU and the European Parliament. The delegation has voiced concerns about the need to enhance mitigation efforts, increase climate finance, and strengthen global climate leadership.
(From the left: Chiara Martinelli, Director of the Climate Action Network Europe | Civil society protest on climate finance | Climate Reality Leaders meeting)
Additionally, Gosia and Klara from the European Branch participated in a cross-organizational initiative demanding developed countries to "PAY UP!"—a call for financial support to the developing countries most affected by climate change and facing significant challenges in decarbonization. As part of this action, they displayed a large "PAY UP!" banner at Baku Stadium. Photos of this demonstration were featured by major media outlets, including the Guardian, Reuters, and Al Jazeera, complementing coverage of the urgent need for ambitious climate finance.
(Photo credit: Artivist Network, Bianka Csenki)
Confronting fossil fuel influence
Simultaneously, the COP29 venue has hosted approximately 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists from around the world, according to Global Witness. Disturbing reports have emerged from the conference, including that it served as a venue for finalizing fossil fuel deals and that the COP Presidency provided opportunities for fossil fuel companies to pursue business deals. This presence has sparked controversy and prompted calls for reform from the Club of Rome, endorsed by our CEO Phyllis Cuttino, Christiana Figueres—the "architect of the Paris Agreement"—and other prominent figures. These leaders are advocating for reduced influence of such groups in future negotiations and a comprehensive reform of the process.
Looking ahead
As the summit wraps up, the final negotiations will be crucial. The outcomes will shape global climate policy and actions for years to come, with the hope that they will align financial resources with the urgent needs of developing nations, ensuring a fair and effective global response to climate challenges.
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