In any case, no major changes are expected from the COP29 world climate conference in Baku (Azerbaijan) this year. Midway through the two-week conference, even the chairman of the UN meeting, Mukhtar Babayev, expressed concern about the slow pace of negotiations.
“I’m afraid the parties are not moving together quickly enough,” Babayev said. He also made a direct appeal to the G20 countries, which are currently meeting in Brazil and are also discussing the climate crisis. These represent 85 percent of global economic production and 80 percent of climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions.
Your leadership role is therefore crucial. “We cannot be successful without them. And the world is waiting to hear from them,” he said. “This is their opportunity to show their leadership.”
Gewessler is once again taking the lead in the negotiations
In the second week, as in the previous two years, Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) will take the lead as EU representative in negotiations on climate change adaptation issues. But general conditions in Azerbaijan have become even more difficult recently. “Unfortunately, we still see important open points in all areas. More than last year at the same time,” Gewessler said Monday.
Hardly any progress in the first week
According to observers, there was little technical progress in the first week. The segment on climate change adaptation at ministerial level is likely to start tomorrow, Tuesday. The aim is to take measures to prepare countries and areas for extreme weather events that can no longer be prevented as a result of man-made global warming.
This is intended to minimize risks and limit damage. These include initiatives to protect against heavy rainfall, floods and storms or redesigning cities to protect the health of the population during major heat waves.
Gewessler for specific purposes
“There is no sign of a compromise yet,” Gewessler said. But combating water scarcity and the resilience of healthcare systems are of particular importance for African countries. The “headlines” on this topic are good: “But what exactly does that mean?” says Gewessler. Goals that are both achievable and fair are essential.
“My expectations for this year are actually lower, but it will be all the more important that we pursue and implement every bit of progress,” Gewessler said. If Baku sends the signal to the world that the process is continuing and “multilateralism is alive”, this would already be a success, according to the minister.
Climate financing as a central point
In concrete terms, according to observers, climate finance is the biggest issue at this year’s COP. The central task of the delegations from almost 200 countries is to define a new financial framework for the period after 2025 by the end of the week. According to expert estimates, at least one trillion dollars per year will be needed in the future to support countries in the South to protect the climate and adapt to the effects of global warming. Some calculations even put it at $2.4 trillion.
The usual suspects block again
According to COP observers, China and countries from the Arab region, especially Saudi Arabia, would block many points in the negotiations. The presidency of host country Azerbaijan also lacks assertive leadership.
According to informed sources, some countries have now turned to Azerbaijan and urgently demanded more progress in negotiations.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
