Baku, Nov 11 – The COP29 climate talks commenced in Azerbaijan on Monday, shadowed by the impending return of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, jeopardizing global climate commitments.
Nations gathered in Baku amid urgent warnings that 2024 could be the hottest year on record, fueling debates over climate finance. Trump’s election has raised fears of reduced ambition at the negotiating table, especially if the U.S. exits the Paris accord. The international pact aims to limit global warming to below 2°C, ideally below 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.
“We cannot afford to let the momentum for global action on climate change be derailed,” said Vanuatu’s climate envoy Ralph Regenvanu. As one of the world’s largest polluters, the U.S. plays a pivotal role, he noted, urging cooperation with the incoming administration.
Significantly absent from COP29 is outgoing President Joe Biden, alongside many other world leaders who typically attend these early sessions to underscore their commitment. Only a few G20 leaders are present, although Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is attending for the first time as an observer.
Despite Trump’s plans, negotiators remain determined to advance on critical issues, such as setting new targets for climate funding. Developing nations are advocating for an increase to the $100 billion annual fund, with calls for trillions in mostly grant-based aid to help mitigate climate impacts and transition to renewable energy. But funding remains a contentious issue, with wealthier nations pressing for broader contributions from other economic powers, including China and Gulf states.
“This is hard. It involves money. When it comes to money, everybody shows their true colours,” said Ugandan diplomat Adonia Ayebare, who leads a coalition representing over 100 developing countries and China.
As delegates negotiate, fresh data underscores the urgency of the talks. European climate monitors warn the world is on a trajectory for a catastrophic 3.1°C of warming by century’s end, far from the Paris goals. “Each tenth of a degree avoided means fewer crises, less suffering,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
More than 51,000 participants are expected at COP29, which runs until November 22. This is the second consecutive year the event is hosted by a fossil-fuel-dependent country, following last year’s summit in the UAE. Azerbaijan, like its predecessor, faces criticism for its fossil fuel reliance and alleged crackdowns on dissent.
With these challenges ahead, negotiators are braced for intense debate – and high stakes.