Belgian PM highlights importance of just energy transition at COP29

Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has warned that global warming could reach 3°C by the end of the century unless countries shift their policies to prioritise climate protection.

While speaking at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), De Croo stressed the need for ambitious goals and effective, flexible implementation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"Our citizens expect results and cooperation for a swift and decisive decarbonisation," he said.

While acknowledging that climate negotiations are far from perfect, De Croo highlighted the significant progress made over the past decade. 

He noted that the vast majority of countries are now committed to achieving net-zero emissions.

However, he emphasised that much more needs to be done, particularly in improving energy efficiency. 

De Croo acknowledged that while solving climate challenges is difficult, it is achievable through the full use of available opportunities, increased investments, and ensuring financing is accessible to all.

He emphasised the importance of a just energy transition, with particular focus on the needs of developing and climate-vulnerable nations. 

"We must double our efforts on adaptation to reduce the negative impact of climate change on both the planet and its people. Adaptation is absolutely necessary to convince our citizens that we can improve their lives," he added.

The Summit of World Leaders within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has started in Baku. On November 11, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) officially kicked off in Baku, marking one of the most significant and prestigious global events.

COP29, which is being held at the Baku Stadium from November 11 to 22, is Azerbaijan's largest event to date and the first of its kind in the region. A "Host Country Agreement" and other key documents were signed between the Azerbaijani government and the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) related to climate finance. The COP29 presidency has put forward 14 initiatives that encompass the interlinkage between climate action and sustainable development goals. These include green energy corridors, green energy storage, climate resilience harmony, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, and actions in the field of green digital technologies, among other topics.

One of the proposed initiatives is the establishment of a Climate Finance Action Fund. Beyond prioritising climate finance, which brings everyone together, this initiative will also contribute to meeting the 1.5°C commitment. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to environmental protection and addressing the impacts of climate change, actively working in this direction. The country’s unanimous election as the host of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties is a clear testament to this. As noted by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, this is a sign of great respect and trust from the international community towards Azerbaijan.

By Naila Huseynova