COP29: Saving the plant or just saving face?

Image of COP29 advertisement (United Nations, 2024) 

The COP29 summit in Azerbaijan is being criticized for failing to deliver meaningful progress in the fight against climate change. With major contradictions between the summit’s objectives and its execution, it’s difficult to view this gathering as anything more than a joke. 

With 1,800 fossil fuel lobbyists in attendance, the very industries driving the climate crisis have VIP passes to the negotiations. Their presence rivals the size of some national delegations, such as Azerbaijan’s and Russia’s, sparking accusations of hypocrisy. It’s like inviting arsonists to a firefighter convention, their presence completely undermines the summit’s mission and raises doubts about its credibility and ability to save the planet from the ongoing climate catastrophe. 

The adaptation fund, designed to help vulnerable countries adapt to climate change, received a measly $61 million this year – far short of its $300 million goal. Meanwhile, wealthy countries, responsible for much of the climate crisis, remain tight fisted. These nations have also delayed meaningful contributions to the Loss and Damage fund, critical for aiding those already suffering from climate change. 

Azerbaijan, a nation heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, hosting a climate summit is like an anti-smoking rally in a tobacco factory. Despite its commitments under the Paris Agreement, Azerbaijan is doubling down on gas production, showcasing just how disconnected the event is from real climate action. In addition to this, all those attending (50,000 people) are flying in by private jet. 

To add to the absurdity, Azerbaijan’s questionable human rights record casts a shadow over the summit. Local activists have been silenced, with many arrested or exiled. Meanwhile, “government organized NGO’s” fill the space, parroting state-approved messages. So much for fostering global cooperation and inclusiveness. 

COP29 is increasingly looking like a high-budget satire of global climate action. While leaders and negotiators deliver lofty speeches, fossil fuel executives sip cocktails in the background, and vulnerable nations are left with crumbs. It seems the real winners of this summit are the industries and countries least interested in change. 

At this rate, perhaps COP30 should just be held in an actual oil field to save time and money. After all, the farce is already halfway there. 

Work cited: 

Beer, Mitchell. “COP29 Opens in Azerbaijan amid Controversy over Fossil Fuel Ties.” The Energy Mix, 12 Nov. 2024, www.theenergymix.com/cop29-opens-in-azerbaijan-amid-controversy-over-fossil-fuel-ties/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024. 

‌Galitsky, Alex. “Letting Azerbaijan Host the UN Climate Conference Is a Sick Joke.” The Hill, 10 Oct. 2024, thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/4925292-letting-azerbaijan-host-the-un-climate-conference-is-a-sick-joke/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024. 

‌Thunberg, Greta. “A “Cop of Peace”? How Can Authoritarian, Human Rights-Trashing Azerbaijan Possibly Host That?” The Guardian, The Guardian, 11 Nov. 2024, www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/11/greta-thunberg-cop29-authoritarian-human-rights-azerbaijan-greenwashing. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024. 

Jazeera, Al. “Top Polluting Cities Revealed as Activists Fume at COP29 Fossil Fuel Lobby.” Al Jazeera, 15 Nov. 2024, www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/15/top-polluting-cities-revealed-as-activists-fume-at-cop29-fossil-fuel-lobby. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024. 

‌ Nations, United. “COP29: Investing in a Livable Planet for All | United Nations.” United Nations, 2024, www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop29?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi_G5BhDXARIsAN5SX7qNKPV1t8vnJJMLGrmYfp5ZmRHkbhk3Gwp9jwnPslGn3HrZTtCx3asaAhxSEALw_wcB. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024. 

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