Developing Countries Frustrated as Rich Nations Skip UN Climate Talks in Ghana

Developing countries expressed frustration last week during United Nations talks in Ghana on “response measures” for the global green transition, as no officials from wealthy nations attended in person and key issues were left undiscussed.

Approximately 30 developing countries sent representatives to a luxury hotel in Ghana for official UN discussions on response measures aimed at addressing the positive and negative impacts of transitioning to a green economy. Despite last year’s agreement at COP28 to hold the talks in a hybrid format, officials from developed countries were notably absent. While the US, the European Union, and the UK participated virtually, their limited contributions were poorly received by developing nations.

The negotiations on response measures to climate change have been ongoing for over two decades, with the 2015 Paris Agreement emphasizing the importance of considering the concerns of countries most affected by these measures, particularly developing nations.

During the talks, participants shared experiences on various issues, such as the disposal of electric motorcycles in the Maldives and the impact of EU deforestation regulations on Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Egyptian negotiator Khaled Aly Hashem Hussein expressed disappointment at the absence of representatives from developed countries, noting that it hindered meaningful dialogue. Brazil’s negotiator Vitor Mattos Vaz echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for all countries to honor their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

On the second day of discussions, representatives from the US, EU, and UK engaged in debates with counterparts from South Africa and Saudi Arabia regarding the focus of the talks on the impacts of measures taken by developed nations on developing countries. Tensions arose over the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), with some viewing it as a protectionist measure that could harm emerging economies.

Despite the efforts to address these contentious issues, some developing-country officials left the talks feeling disillusioned, describing the discussions as lacking substance.

The negotiations will continue at COP29 in Baku in November, where developing countries are expected to push for more explicit criticism of policies like the EU’s carbon border tax. The goal is to ensure that measures to combat climate change do not unfairly discriminate against certain nations or impede international trade.

As the discussions progress, the global community will need to find common ground to ensure a fair and equitable transition to a green economy.