Türkiye's participation in COP29 - example of global climate diplomacy Daily Sabah article

Turkish newspaper Daily Sabah has published an article by Elif Selin Çalık on the COP29 climate change conference held in Baku. Caliber.Az presents the paraphrased version of the material.

"The COP29 conference marked another crucial step in the global fight against climate change. The summit achieved successes in climate financing, carbon markets, and industrial decarbonization policies, such as the EU’s Cross-Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

One of the most notable aspects of COP29 was the commitment from developed countries to allocate $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist developing countries in combating climate change. This represents a significant advancement over the previous commitment of $100 billion, signaling growing recognition of the financial burden associated with climate change resilience.

Carbon credit mechanisms

At COP29, the rules for international carbon credit trading, as outlined in Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, were finalized. This essential mechanism will standardize carbon markets and eliminate 'greenwashing,' while providing states and companies with a legally controlled method of offsetting emissions. Thanks to the global market, this agreement will provide much-needed funding for renewable energy projects in the Global South.

A double-edged sword

CBAM, which sets tariffs on imported carbon-intensive materials, was a central topic of discussion at COP29. While it is intended to encourage global decarbonization, it poses challenges for low- and middle-income countries. Türkiye called for flexibility in the CBAM model to align it with its ongoing decarbonization process. Moreover, the conference focused on capacity-building efforts to help industries in developing economies adapt to the requirements of the mechanism without disrupting their economies.

Türkiye’s role

Türkiye was an active participant at COP29, given its geopolitical position as a bridge between developed and developing countries. The country showcased its plan to achieve 'net-zero emissions' by 2053 and emphasized the growth of investments in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal power.

Türkiye's attempt to integrate cooperation with Azerbaijan and neighboring countries into its renewable energy development program was highly praised as an example of cross-border collaboration. The country is simultaneously ensuring energy security and progressing toward global decarbonization goals. In particular, CBAM presents broad opportunities for Ankara. By incorporating renewable energy into production processes and aligning its policies with EU requirements, Türkiye can reduce emissions and become an energy power in Europe and the Middle East. The country also called for equitable climate financing and the establishment of a Fund for Loss and Damage to help middle-income countries address the impacts of climate disasters.

Fair reform

The COP29 conference in Baku highlighted the challenges of multilateral climate negotiations. The summit succeeded in advancing carbon markets and climate financing. Türkiye’s participation in COP29 served as an example of emerging global climate diplomacy. As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil, countries like Türkiye must push for reasonable, proportional solutions that bridge the gap between developed and developing nations. Only by working together and setting ambitious goals can the world secure a sustainable future," wrote Elif Selin Çalık.