COP29 chief warns of new climate hurdles as US pulls back from talks

Azerbaijan and Brazil remain committed partners in the fight against climate change, working together to scale up global climate finance to $1.3 trillion by the time COP30 convenes. This was reaffirmed by Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s representative on climate issues and President of COP29, during an address at the Baku Energy Forum.

Babayev highlighted that new obstacles have emerged in the global climate agenda, citing policy shifts by certain nations, most notably the United States, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“The United States’ withdrawal from discussions related to combating climate change is having a negative impact on this process,” Babayev said. Nonetheless, he noted that other donor countries are moving ahead with preparations based on commitments made during COP29 in Baku.

Babayev pointed to a major breakthrough at COP29: the agreement to mobilise $300 billion annually for climate action in developing countries by 2035. “This was a great success. There were countries that expected trillions of dollars,” he remarked, underlining the significance of the achievement.

Held in November 2024, the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku marked a critical moment in international climate diplomacy. Despite political uncertainties and the absence of key players in certain talks, the summit resulted in several substantial outcomes that advanced the global climate agenda.

One of the landmark agreements was the pledge by developed nations to triple existing commitments and mobilise at least $300 billion per year in climate finance by 2035. This target, central to the Baku Climate Unity Pact, lays the foundation for a broader goal of scaling global climate financing to $1.3 trillion annually within the same timeframe, drawing from both public and private sectors.

Another crucial achievement was the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund—an initiative long advocated by vulnerable and developing nations. Backed by over $730 million in pledges, the fund is set to begin distributing resources in 2025 to assist countries affected by climate-induced disasters and long-term environmental stressors.

COP29 also delivered progress on the long-stalled rules governing international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, paving the way for countries to cooperate in reducing emissions through trading mechanisms.

In addition, the summit strengthened global climate governance by launching the Baku Global Climate Transparency Platform, which aims to support developing nations in accurately tracking and reporting their climate progress.

The conference also advanced inclusivity measures, introducing the Baku Workplan to ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities are better represented in international climate policymaking.

Sector-specific initiatives featured prominently at the conference as well, with commitments to expand global energy storage infrastructure, integrate water management strategies into adaptation planning, and provide tailored climate data to farmers to boost agricultural resilience.

As preparations begin for COP30, Babayev stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and addressing emerging challenges. “We must remain united and committed, regardless of shifts in individual national policies,” he said, underscoring Azerbaijan’s ongoing leadership in global climate efforts.

By Tamilla Hasanova