COP29: Climate activists demand urgent action, funding to avoid ecological catastrophe

At COP29, environmental organisations and climate activists have expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of ambitious solutions to combat global warming and the call for nations to develop a new plan for phasing out fossil fuels.

Representatives from the Earth Island Institute made these statements during a press conference at the conference, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The participants emphasised that without significant funding and decisive action, the world faces an impending ecological disaster.

Harjeet Singh, Director of Global Engagement at the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, remarked that negotiations had reached an impasse, with developed countries shirking their obligations. 

“We are witnessing disagreements, a lack of concrete solutions, and a clear focus on profit. Finance is the foundation of any change, yet developed countries are refusing to discuss the figures. This is a betrayal – dishonest negotiations that threaten the climate ambitions of the entire world,” he said.

Singh stressed that developing countries would not be able to phase out fossil fuels and build a green economy without financial support.

“Developed nations are demanding that we cut emissions but are not guaranteeing funding. The current situation is the result of decades of inaction and prioritising the fossil fuel industry’s interests,” he continued.

Tato Gubaytsi, a climate justice activist from Botswana, shared how the climate crisis is already destroying the lives of millions of people. “For many Global North countries, the climate crisis may seem like a distant threat, but for us, it’s a reality. Fields are drying up, and mothers and children are walking miles in search of water. We need funding not in the form of loans, but grants that will protect our communities,” she said.

She added that the failure of wealthy nations to fulfil their commitments is a betrayal not only of African countries but of the spirit of the Paris Agreement.

Joseph Sikulu, a representative from the Pacific Climate Warriors movement, highlighted the imbalance in the negotiations and reiterated the need for significant financial investment.

“At COP29, we see 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists defending the interests of corporations. How can we expect ambition when such numbers reflect the real power of the oil and gas lobby? We demand one trillion dollars in grants annually. This is not charity – it is a debt that wealthy nations must repay,” Sekulu emphasised.

Ayshka Najib, an activist with the Fridays for Future movement, presented an open letter signed by over 100 global thought leaders, scientists, and activists. “We launched this letter to remind leaders that we are on the brink. Climate injustice must be addressed. We demand a new global plan that halts the expansion of coal, oil, and gas extraction and ensures a transition to renewable energy,” Najib highlighted.

The call for stronger climate action continues as global leaders face mounting pressure to tackle the climate crisis with both urgency and accountability.

By Aghakazim Guliyev