In brief
Leaders from nearly 200 nations are set to meet for the COP29 climate talks, aiming to establish actionable steps in combating climate change, particularly in the wake of Donald Trump's election win and an unprecedented year of extreme weather.
As the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) kicks off on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan, global leaders are preparing to tackle the urgent issues surrounding climate change. The backdrop is particularly pressing, with 2024 likely to be the hottest year ever recorded. This significant climate gathering comes right on the heels of Donald J. Trump's election—who has famously labeled climate change a hoax—intensifying concerns on how U.S. policies might shift global commitments to climate action.COP29 is expected to see participation from diplomats and heads of state representing almost 200 countries. These parties are tasked with revisiting and updating commitments established under the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This year, attendees can expect an influx of representatives from various sectors: businesses, NGOs, and climate activists, reflecting the growing importance of collective action against climate impacts.The conference will run from November 11 to November 22, though it is common for negotiations to extend beyond the scheduled dates. Participants will engage in deliberations on key topics including accountability for national emissions, financial support for developing nations, and strategies for disaster response amidst increasing extreme weather patterns influenced by climate change.As world leaders gather with diverging political agendas, the influence of ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, is another aspect complicating international commitments to climate action. The outcome of the negotiations at COP29 is critical not only for national strategies but also for the coalition of states grappling with the overarching need for cooperation in an era of existential climate crisis.
