As world leaders and experts gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) from November 11- 22, 2024, the event starkly highlighted the widening gap between developed and developing nations regarding climate finance and responsibility.
Developing countries argue that the burden of financing climate change mitigation and adaptation should fall on the developed nations, whose industrialisation is largely responsible for current greenhouse gas emissions driving global warming.
Experts estimate that developing countries require $1.3 trillion to build resilience against climate change and reduce climate-warming emissions.
However, negotiators settled for a $300 billion offer from wealthy nations, which developing countries claim is insufficient to address the adverse effects of global warming effectively.
The reluctance of wealthy countries to commit substantial financial resources to climate change mitigation and adaptation remains a contentious issue, emphasising the need for strong, united leadership to navigate global climate politics and forge a sustainable future.
David Wallace-Wells, in a recent New York Times opinion piece, noted that climate change is losing its grip on global politics, citing the absence of several key leaders from the event.
The reasons behind the decline in political support for COP29 are complex, with some attributing it to the broader political landscape.
Rich countries avoided discussing the contentious issue of climate finance, serving as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of inaction and the need for immediate, coordinated global efforts.
As the climate crisis escalates, there is a palpable tension between the need for decisive action and the complex political realities hindering progress.
The international community must recognise that the window for effective action is rapidly closing. Every nation, regardless of its contribution to the problem, has a role to play in this global endeavour.
Political inertia or economic self-interest should not stand in the way of progress. By forging new alliances, honouring past commitments, and embracing innovative solutions, there is still a chance to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
The developed world committed to providing $100 billion annually by 2020 during the Copenhagen Accord in 2009, but this promise was never fully honoured due to political manoeuvres and shifting priorities within wealthy nations.
This failure has strained relationships and undermined trust between developed and developing countries, exacerbating already contentious climate finance discussions.
This historical responsibility calls for developed nations to take a more significant role in addressing the consequences of their industrial past.
The election of Donald Trump complicates the issue of climate change. Wallace-Wells indicates that Trump promised regulatory rollbacks to oil and gas executives in exchange for campaign contributions, potentially stalling progress on climate action.
The absence of the US, a major contributor to global emissions, creates a significant void in the international community’s capacity to respond effectively.
However, like-minded developed and developing countries can collaborate to fill this gap, demonstrating collective resolve to confront the crisis.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the alarming frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, from floods in Valencia to droughts in Africa, hurricanes in the Caribbean, and wildfires in California. Robust, cohesive leadership is imperative to tackle global warming with the seriousness it demands.
To achieve meaningful progress, bridging the divide between developed and developing countries is essential. This involves addressing the historical responsibilities of industrialised nations while ensuring equitable support for vulnerable regions.
Financial commitments will be substantial and should be sustained, reflecting the scale of the challenge at hand.
Moreover, international cooperation must extend beyond financial resources. It requires sharing technology, expertise, and other resources to build resilience and foster sustainable development across the globe.
By working together, nations can create a more resilient and just world, capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change and securing a safer future for all.
The writer is Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Mission to the European Union, Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States and World Customs Organisation.
Unlock a World of exclusive content, up to 75% off!Unlock a World of exclusive content, up to 75% off!
