In Azerbaijan’s Capital, COP29 Kicks Off with High Hopes and High Stakes

 The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commenced this week in Baku, drawing delegations from 198 countries. This pivotal summit, running from November 11 to 22, marks a critical moment for global climate negotiations as the world grapples with escalating environmental crises.

The COP process, which began in Berlin in 1995, has become the cornerstone of international climate discussions. The Baku summit, dubbed COP29, is no exception, as it gathers not only government representatives but also international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, business leaders, and civil society groups. In a statement released just hours before the summit, the UNFCCC emphasized the urgency of this meeting: "Given the mounting human and economic costs of climate change in every country, COP29 is a vital moment that must drive significant progress."

Ambitious Goals for an Uncertain Future

Hopes are high that the discussions in Baku will yield substantial commitments, particularly in reducing emissions and fortifying global supply chains against climate disruptions. As underscored in the UNFCCC’s statement, "If nations fail to cut emissions and enhance resilience, even the strongest economies, including those in the G20, will not withstand the unbridled impacts of global warming. No household will escape the severe inflationary consequences."

The Azerbaijani capital will host not only delegations from G20 nations but also key negotiating blocs from the Global South, underscoring the diverse and complex interests at play. Notably, COP29 has been characterized as a “financial climate summit,” given the urgent need to agree on a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. This target is set to replace the $100 billion annual commitment established at COP15 in Copenhagen, which was met in 2023 after years of delays.

Negotiators in Baku face the daunting task of setting a more ambitious funding target, to be implemented from 2025 onward. There is growing pressure on wealthy nations, whose industries are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, to increase their financial support for less developed countries bearing the brunt of climate change.

Diverse Representation, Divided Expectations

The attendance list for COP29 highlights the geopolitical complexities of the moment. The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to arrive with a delegation of six key ministers, reflecting the strategic ties between the UK and Azerbaijan. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also anticipated, but notable absences include French President Emmanuel Macron (due to strained relations with Azerbaijan), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (facing a domestic political crisis), and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (recovering from an injury).

The European Union will be represented by European Council President Charles Michel and Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, among others. The EU, which contributed €28.6 billion ($30.8 billion) to climate finance in 2023, has positioned itself as a leading player in funding global climate action.

China’s new climate envoy, Liu Zhenmin, will make his first appearance at COP29, following the retirement of veteran negotiator Xie Zhenhua. Meanwhile, the United States will be represented by senior White House advisor John Podesta, but the recent election of Donald Trump casts a shadow over the proceedings. Trump’s campaign rhetoric has raised fears that the U.S. may withdraw from the Paris Agreement once again, complicating efforts to secure a robust deal on the NCQG.

The Global South’s Plea for Justice

As the impacts of climate change worsen, vulnerable nations are demanding greater financial assistance. African countries, in particular, are calling for an increase in funding from the Loss and Damage Fund, established to help developing nations cope with climate-related disasters. They are also pushing for the swift implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which sets the rules for carbon markets.

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), representing 45 nations, are expected to press for a multitrillion-dollar commitment to support the transition away from fossil fuels and to strengthen global climate efforts.

A Packed Agenda with High Expectations

The summit’s opening day features panels on the role of youth and non-governmental organizations in combating climate change. Expert meetings will also address the operations of the Loss and Damage Fund and the development of carbon markets.

The World Leaders Climate Action Summit (WLCAS), scheduled for November 12-13, is set to be the highlight of COP29, featuring high-level discussions and consultations. During these sessions, countries are expected to present new green energy projects and sign agreements aimed at accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

The agenda for COP29 is packed with over 100 meetings and side events focused on emissions reduction, climate adaptation, finance, and innovative technologies. Negotiators face the immense challenge of reaching a consensus on concrete actions to curb global warming and its catastrophic impacts.

Baku’s Strategic Role and Azerbaijan’s Ambitions

For Azerbaijan, hosting COP29 is a moment of prestige, positioning the country as a key player in the global climate dialogue. The event also highlights Azerbaijan’s strategic partnerships, particularly in energy, where it serves as a critical link between Europe and Asia. The nation’s leadership aims to leverage this summit to showcase its green energy initiatives and attract new investments in renewable projects.

The world will be watching as negotiators strive to deliver a breakthrough in Baku, one that could determine the future trajectory of global climate efforts. With the stakes higher than ever, the coming days will test the resolve of nations to work together in averting a climate catastrophe.