COP29 concludes in Baku with milestones, debates, and lingering challenges

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) wrapped up in the early hours of November 24, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This year’s summit, themed “Effective and Innovative Solutions for Achieving Net Zero,” brought together delegates from around the globe to tackle pressing climate issues. While some progress was achieved, the event left several critical issues unresolved, underscoring the complexity and urgency of addressing the climate crisis. 

The final day of the conference saw delegates convene into the night to elect new leadership for key subsidiary bodies. Adonia Ayebare of Uganda was appointed Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), while Julia Gardiner of Australia was named Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI). These appointments were a necessary step to maintain momentum in implementing technical and policy measures discussed during COP29. 

One of the most significant outcomes was the establishment of a new climate finance target. Developed nations committed to mobilizing at least USD 300 billion annually by 2035 to support climate action in developing countries. The funding is expected to come from a mix of public and private sources, with developed nations taking the lead. However, the new financial goal sparked criticism, particularly from developing countries such as India, Bolivia, and Nigeria. They described the amount as grossly inadequate to address the escalating climate impacts. 

The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group also expressed dissatisfaction, noting the exclusion of provisions for loss and damage funding and the lack of guaranteed allocations for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These concerns reflect a growing divide between wealthy nations and those bearing the brunt of climate change, with vulnerable nations calling for greater equity and justice in climate finance. 

Despite tensions over finance, COP29 achieved significant progress in other areas. Delegates extended the enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender for another decade, a move hailed as a victory for integrating gender equity into climate action. The conference also provided new guidance on defining indicators to assess progress towards the Global Goal on Adaptation. These steps are expected to improve tracking and accountability for resilience-building efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions. 

In addition, the summit outlined future plans for global dialogues and investment-focused events under the Mitigation Work Programme, aimed at accelerating emission reductions and fostering innovation in clean energy solutions. 

However, critical discussions around the implementation of the Global Stocktake—a comprehensive review of progress under the Paris Agreement—failed to reach consensus. Similarly, negotiations on the just transition work programme, which seeks to ensure equitable shifts to low-carbon economies, were postponed to the next session of the Subsidiary Bodies in June 2025.  This lack of agreement frustrated many delegates, including representatives from the European Union and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), who stressed the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy and addressing global inequalities. Vulnerable nations like Pakistan highlighted critical gaps in the overall financial package, urging renewed commitment and collaboration in future negotiations. 

Throughout the conference, leaders from climate-vulnerable countries amplified their calls for justice. Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel shared harrowing accounts of the impacts of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides that have displaced entire communities in his country. He emphasized the need for integrated strategies to tackle poverty and climate change, urging developed nations to honor their historical responsibility for global emissions. 

The conference also saw fierce debates over representation and equity. Delegates from developing countries criticized the dominance of wealthier nations in shaping the outcomes, with many feeling that their voices were sidelined. This imbalance highlights the need for more inclusive and transparent decision-making processes at future COPs. 

As COP29 concluded, it became clear that while progress had been made, much remains to be done. The agreements reached in Baku represent steps forward, but they fall short of the transformative action needed to address the worsening climate crisis. With the next round of negotiations set for mid-2025, countries face a narrow window to build on COP29’s outcomes and tackle unresolved issues.  The world is watching, and the stakes have never been higher. COP29 serves as both a reminder of the challenges ahead and a call to action for nations to prioritize bold, equitable solutions in the fight against climate change.