COP29 begins as African leaders push for climate finance
What you need to know:
- In 2023 alone, climate change-related events claimed over 23,000 lives across Africa.
- By Monday evening, only a handful of key world leaders had arrived in Baku for COP29.
IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
In a year marked by extreme weather events attributed to climate change, more than 30,000 delegates drawn from at least 200 countries are gathering in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss the pressing threat of climate crisis at the 29th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP29 (Conference of the Parties).
In 2023 alone, climate change-related events claimed over 23,000 lives across Africa. From devastating floods in Kenya, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed properties worth millions, to relentless heatwaves and tropical cyclones in Mozambique, the continent, leaders say, faces an urgent call for swift and decisive actions that can effectively address and mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. For them, COP29 is not just a negotiation table but a chance to press wealthier nations for the support necessary to protect communities at risk.
The World Meteorological Organization (WHO) has said that so far, 2024 is the warmest year yet.
It is for this reason, coupled with the extreme weather events that have been happening in different countries globally that have been gathering every year since 1995 to discuss and explore solutions to solve the climate crisis, which currently affects almost half of the world’s population.
Yet, even though the effects of climate change are undeniable and escalating, uniting countries around climate action remains challenging and some agendas take years before there is a consensus. At COP conferences, the complexity of global climate negotiations becomes especially apparent, with disputes over finance, emissions cuts, and accountability.
However, this year’s COP has opened amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The timing of COP29, a week after the US elections intensified concerns among climate advocates and sent a wave of uncertainties regarding the future of the climate talks. The re-election of Donald Trump as US President, a known sceptic of climate change, had already sent shivers across the climate space even before the climate talks.
However, is not just the US elections that have made this COP atypical. The climate affair is a political affair. It is therefore expected that heads of state attend COP conferences at the beginning of the event, usually during the first few days to set the tone for the conference.
By Monday evening, only a handful of key world leaders had arrived in Baku for COP29. President William Ruto of Kenya was also absent, though no official statement has been issued. However, senior officials, including Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, are attending and are already in Azerbaijan. A government source hinted that President Ruto's absence might be linked to an anticipated Cabinet reshuffle back in Kenya. Other world leaders absent include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, US President Joe Biden, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who have also opted not to attend, citing various pressing domestic matters.
“Trump’s election has thrown the process into confusion. As a result, a number of national leaders particularly from the Global North, have pulled out from attending this COP. But many others, including some 30 African leaders, are going to be in Baku. These are the real climate leaders and they must work together to accelerate momentum on climate action, with or without the US,” said Mohamed Adow, founder of Power Shift, a climate think tank in Nairobi.
Beyond the challenges posed by high-profile absences, COP29 faced additional turbulence as the opening plenary was delayed for many hours due to disagreements over the agenda. Negotiations stalled as delegates wrestled over issues including climate finance, emissions targets, support for climate-vulnerable nations, and new policies to limit global warming.
One of the central concerns is the new global climate finance target dubbed “New Collective Bargaining Agreement (NCQG.” The previous commitment made by developed nations to provide 100 US billion annually to developing countries —set during COP15 in 2009—was only achieved in 2022, after years of criticism for insufficient action and funds. Now, as that target’s deadline approaches, there is renewed pressure to set more ambitious funding goals. Many developing nations are demanding stronger commitments from wealthier countries, arguing that without sufficient financial support, they cannot effectively combat or adapt to climate change.
“The African group has called for 1.3 trillion US dollars in new climate finance, a figure they believe will help meet the needs of developing countries,” offered Joab Okanda, Climate Policy and energy expert.
For Treezer Mugure, a climate activist from Kenya, today’s start is a cause for concern. Mugure worries that the delayed progress at COP29 could signal a lack of urgency among delegates, even as climate impacts intensify for vulnerable communities.
“If we don’t see real commitments, our communities will continue to suffer the consequences of a crisis we had little role in creating,” she said.
