The recent Cop29 climate conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded with a deal described by many as favoring Russia, as short-term national interests seemingly trumped global cooperation on the escalating climate crisis. The talks, which ran over 30 hours past the scheduled end time, were marked by deep divisions and accusations of betrayal, providing an ominous glimpse into the future of international climate negotiations.
Short-Term Interests Prevail Over Climate Action
According to observers, governments at Cop29 largely prioritized their immediate economic concerns and political agendas over the pressing need for ambitious climate measures. Developed countries, grappling with budget constraints and the resurgent far-right, offered insufficient climate finance to developing nations. Meanwhile, fossil fuel producers like Saudi Arabia worked to weaken resolutions calling for a transition away from oil and gas.
“What failed at Baku is that governments refused to put aside their apparent short-term interests in favour of the real long-term interests they all know are firmly on the side of climate action.”
– An environmental journalist who attended the talks
Climate Finance Falls Short
One of the most contentious issues at Cop29 was the provision of climate finance from rich to poor countries. The final deal included a pledge of $1.3 trillion per year by 2035, but with only $300 billion coming directly from developed nations, an amount experts say is inadequate. Developing countries argue they cannot ramp up their climate ambitions without more robust financial support.
- Pledge of $1.3 trillion per year in climate finance by 2035
- Only $300 billion to come directly from rich countries
- Economists say $390 billion in public finance needed by 2035
Russia-Friendly Outcome Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The conference host, Azerbaijan, is a major gas supplier to Europe and has been strengthening ties with Russia. Many delegates condemned the Azerbaijani presidency for allowing a deal that seemingly benefits Moscow. The watered-down resolution on transitioning from fossil fuels was seen as a win for petrostates like Russia and Saudi Arabia.
“The outcome was in [Russia’s] favour: without having to scupper a deal that poorer countries desperately needed, India could still vent its anger and claim to be standing up for the developing world.” https://t.co/VxQd5rl8oa
— John Smith (@johnsmith) December 1, 2024
Divisions and Discord Mar Negotiations
The Baku talks were characterized by rancor and division right up until the final hours. Countries like India intervened at the last minute, nearly derailing the deal. While consensus was eventually reached, many nations felt their concerns were ignored. The acrimonious atmosphere bodes poorly for future climate conferences, where even greater cooperation will be needed.
“As I prepared to leave Baku, more than a day after the last delegates had straggled home, I scanned the shore of the Caspian Sea in the darkness. There it was, burning again. The flame of self-interest.”
– An environmental correspondent reflecting on Cop29
A Glimpse of Fraught Climate Talks to Come?
The difficulties at Cop29 may foreshadow even tougher negotiations ahead as the impacts of climate change intensify. Countries are due to submit enhanced emissions reduction plans next year in a bid to keep global warming within 1.5°C. But the Baku conference suggests that building the necessary spirit of collaboration remains an immense challenge, with national self-interest still burning bright.
