The Conference of the Parties (COP) 29 summit convened in Baku, Azerbaijan, for an 11-day session with a key focus on addressing climate change, carbon market mechanisms, and climate finance. Hosted in a country known for its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the event has sparked a mix of urgency and controversy, especially after reports from the BBC highlighted local representatives engaging in oil and gas deals, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
One of the primary objectives of COP29's early days is to establish the rules governing a global carbon market. This initiative is aimed at assisting countries in meeting their emissions targets by enabling the trading of carbon credits. The mechanism allows wealthier countries to purchase credits from those with lower emissions, thereby helping offset their carbon output and fund projects globally that aim to reduce emissions.
The stakes are high at COP29, with critical issues at play such as securing funding for climate-vulnerable countries and updating climate targets. A key focus is on the annual $100 billion pledged by developing nations, which may need to be significantly increased to address the escalating impacts of climate change. The finance component of the summit is crucial in fostering trust between richer and poorer nations, particularly as existing commitments need to be fulfilled to make meaningful progress in combating climate change.