Brazilian journalist hails importance of COP29 in tackling climate crisis

Vinicius Doria, a journalist for the Brazilian publication Correio Braziliense, hailed the significance of the COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan.

“As representatives from nearly a hundred countries gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the preliminary meetings ahead of the UN Climate Conference (COP29) scheduled for November, the urgency to address the climate crisis is palpable.

The discussions commenced with an address from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, read-out by COP29 president-designate Mukhtar Babayev, emphasizing the need for constructive and good-faith participation for the benefit of humanity,” Doria wrote, Caliber.Az reports.

He noted that the primary objective of Pre-COP29 is to draft a foundational document that will guide negotiations during the main event, particularly focusing on financing the energy transition for developing nations—a critical factor in combating climate change.

Doria highlighted the escalating urgency of climate-related challenges, citing extreme weather events this year, such as severe floods in southern Brazil, a historic drought in the Amazon, and the destructive impact of Hurricane Milton. These incidents underscore the pressing need for immediate and collaborative solutions.

André Corrêa, Secretary for Climate, Energy, and Environment at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented the Brazilian delegation, stressing that the meeting must yield results that garner the support of the international community.

He urged a collective focus on addressing climate change, stating, “What happens in one country affects another,” he said in an interview with the publication.

The discussions aim to secure agreements for financing mitigation and adaptation efforts, particularly for vulnerable nations facing severe climate impacts, such as Pacific island states threatened by rising sea levels. Key proposals include the global regulation of the carbon market and increased contributions from wealthier nations to multilateral climate funds.

Both Brazil and Azerbaijan, significant fossil fuel producers, advocate for utilizing oil revenues to fund essential investments in the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, Brazil insists that these resources should also address social inequalities, calling for enhanced involvement from developed countries in these efforts. The outcomes of Pre-COP29 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global climate action.

By Vafa Guliyeva