Forgotten commitments of Europe Baerbock tweets while the climate awaits action

In a series of tweets posted on the social network X, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock attempts to deflect responsibility from herself and her EU colleagues regarding climate commitments. At the same time, she criticizes other participants in the process, including developing countries and the so-called "new wealthy emitters" such as China and Saudi Arabia. Azerbaijan is not spared from her accusations either.

But let’s break it down step by step.

Baerbock writes:

"We are at COP29 in the midst of a geopolitical power play by some fossil fuel-dependent states. Unfortunately, their playing field is the backs of the poorest and most vulnerable countries…As the EU, we acknowledge our historical responsibility. However, climate financing and CO2 reduction must go hand in hand. We will not allow the poorest nations to be shortchanged by the new wealthy emitters, backed by the presidency."

Let’s break it down

Such statements can be interpreted as an unwillingness to take a leading role in addressing climate change. Instead of proposing concrete steps or assuming leadership in financing efforts, Baerbock accuses developing countries of engaging in "geopolitical power play" and implies insufficient responsibility from the "new wealthy emitters."

But where in her rhetoric are the commitments of the developed countries themselves? According to the Paris Agreement, they are obligated to allocate significant resources to climate financing. Has Frau Baerbock forgotten Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, which explicitly states that it is the developed nations who must provide financial resources to support developing countries?

Specifically, Article 9, Paragraph 1 of the Paris Agreement states:

"Developed country Parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention."

Moreover, by 2025, a new collective quantified financing target must be established, exceeding the previously set benchmark.

Let’s continue

The mention of so-called "backed by the presidency" is an unmistakable reference to Azerbaijan, which is chairing COP29 this year. Baerbock insinuates that Azerbaijan allegedly backs the "new wealthy emitters." However, rather than resorting to sweeping criticism, it would be far more constructive to support Baku's mediation efforts aimed at finding compromises among the participants.

According to The Guardian, Azerbaijan conducted closed-door negotiations with key nations — China, the US, the EU, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Brazil, and Australia. These talks sought to address pressing issues, including increasing climate financing and phasing out fossil fuels.

The outcome was an agreement to raise the climate financing budget from $250 billion to $300 billion.

EU’s historical responsibility

The European Union, having benefited from fossil fuels for decades, bears a significant historical responsibility for the current climate crisis.

Why, then, is European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen or other key European leaders absent from the negotiations in Baku? Their absence at such a critical juncture, when determination and dialogue are essential, only deepens doubts about the EU's sincerity and its readiness to meet its financial commitments.

What lies behind Baerbock's words?

Baerbock’s reference to "new wealthy emitters" is a clear nod to countries like China and Saudi Arabia. However, such rhetoric not only fails to drive progress but also deepens divisions among nations, undermining an already fragile dialogue. Europe, as a key player in the Industrial Revolution and one of the primary contributors to global pollution, appears to be deflecting responsibility by shifting the financial burden onto other nations. Yet, as noted earlier, the Paris Agreement explicitly mandates that developed countries provide financial support to developing nations to implement climate mitigation measures.

Conclusion

COP29 is a critical test for participating countries, and it remains to be seen who will rise to the challenge. Azerbaijan, as the chair, is working to bridge divisions despite criticism and pressure. However, the real responsibility lies with developed nations. They must take the lead in addressing climate issues by offering tangible solutions and fulfilling their commitments, rather than resorting to excuses and blame games on social media.