Climate activists protest at COP29 main plenary session

Climate activists disrupted the main plenary session of COP29, the United Nations climate conference, in Baku, demanding that developed nations honor their commitments to climate financing. The protest, marked by chants and vivid slogans, highlighted growing frustration over the perceived inaction of wealthy countries in addressing global climate inequities.

The activists, many of whom are part of international climate justice movements, unfurled banners with phrases like “Rich Countries, Pay Your Climate Debt!” and “Deliver Climate Financing!” The demonstration, though peaceful, temporarily brought the session to a halt as delegates from over 190 nations looked on. Security personnel escorted the protesters from the venue after several minutes, but their message lingered in the air.

The protest comes amidst heightened scrutiny of the promises made by developed nations to support poorer countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Under the Paris Agreement, wealthy countries pledged $100 billion annually in climate financing by 2020. However, reports from watchdog organizations indicate that these targets remain unmet, with significant shortfalls and delays in disbursement.

“Developed countries are failing to uphold their end of the bargain,” said one protester outside the venue, who identified herself as a representative of a global youth-led climate group. “Communities in the Global South are bearing the brunt of climate disasters, while those most responsible for emissions drag their feet on funding.”

The disruption in the plenary hall was part of a broader series of protests occurring in and around the COP29 venue. Activists have staged sit-ins, marches, and panel disruptions to draw attention to issues ranging from insufficient climate finance to the role of fossil fuel companies in shaping policy.

Criticism of developed nations’ commitments has been a recurring theme throughout the conference. Several leaders from vulnerable nations, particularly small island states and African countries, have called for more accountability and transparency in climate finance. Their demands were echoed by civil society groups, which argue that the existing financing mechanisms are neither accessible nor adequate to address the escalating climate crisis.

The protests reflect a larger, more contentious debate over responsibility and equity in global climate policy. Developing nations argue that their adaptation and mitigation efforts are hamstrung without substantial support from wealthier counterparts, who bear historical responsibility for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions.

Experts warn that the delay in delivering climate finance risks exacerbating global inequities. “Without sufficient funding, the most vulnerable nations face disproportionate harm,” said Dr. Leila Qasim, a climate policy analyst attending COP29. “This inaction erodes trust and undermines the cooperative spirit needed to combat climate change effectively.”

The incident in Baku underscores the urgency of addressing the financial gap as negotiations intensify. Observers note that the disruption may place additional pressure on developed nations to make concrete pledges before the conference concludes.

As the plenary resumed, many delegates acknowledged the protesters’ concerns. Some representatives from the Global South expressed solidarity with the activists, emphasizing that the conference must yield actionable results, not just rhetoric.

Whether COP29 will mark a turning point in climate finance remains uncertain, but the voices of those demanding accountability are growing louder—and harder to ignore.