COP29 negotiations hang by a thread: Can unity prevail? Exclusive by AnewZ

An exclusive report from AnewZ reveals that the negotiations at COP29 are teetering on the edge of failure. As discussions reach a critical and tense climax, key figures remain in Baku, including Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, and a cadre of around ten heads of EU delegations. The return of Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister has added urgency to the proceedings, intensifying an already fraught atmosphere.

Deep Divisions and Rising Discontent

According to AnewZ, the chasm between the Global North and Global South is widening. Developing nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the African bloc, have voiced their profound dissatisfaction, accusing wealthier countries of shirking their financial responsibilities. These nations have firmly rejected any proposals for a New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) that fall below the $600 billion mark.

Tensions reached a boiling point when the Western bloc suggested a mere $250 billion — potentially increasing to $300 billion — which was met with scorn as “too little and too late.”

Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, and India have joined the chorus of criticism, denouncing the Western proposals for emissions reductions as a deliberate attack on the oil and gas sector. This backdrop of discord has brought negotiations to a pivotal moment, reflecting a deepening geopolitical divide that complicates the quest for consensus.

Time is of the Essence

Delegates are racing against the clock, with a deadline looming at the end of the day to secure a deal; otherwise, many may begin to depart the venue. A quorum of at least 60 delegates is necessary for a plenary session, and under UN regulations, Azerbaijan cannot keep the COP29 platform open indefinitely.

Even if a final agreement eludes the delegates, sources suggest that a concluding plenary session is likely to occur today around 3:00 PM, whether or not a finalized text is available.

Unity Among Developing Nations

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, developing countries are uniting in their rejection of the Western bloc’s proposals, deeming them inadequate and counterproductive. They argue that such offers obstruct the path to compromise. Their collective frustration highlights the broader challenges of achieving equitable solutions in global climate negotiations.

With time slipping away, the stakes are high. The outcomes of these negotiations will not only shape the future of climate action but also test the global community’s resolve to bridge its differences and tackle shared challenges head-on.

By Tamilla Hasanova