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Experts caution that the size and grandeur of the Global Climate Summit are impeding progress on COP Fatigue – Inside Climate News

“Unpacking the Climate Talks: Why COP29 Might Not Deliver on Greenhouse Gas Cuts”

The ongoing COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, have been marred by controversy and skepticism regarding their effectiveness in addressing global warming. Recent revelations of COP29 CEO Elnur Soltanov’s plans to negotiate new oil and gas deals during the conference have raised concerns about conflicts of interest within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Previous COP conferences have also been criticized for being influenced by fossil fuel companies and lacking progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate policy experts have pointed out that the UNFCCC process has marginalized the concerns of smaller developing countries, Indigenous peoples, and women. Despite calls for reform, the UNFCCC has been reluctant to address these issues and has failed to take significant steps towards meaningful change. The lack of executive powers within the UNFCCC means that any reform efforts would have to be led by member states, many of which are content with the status quo.

The size and scope of the annual COP conferences have also come under scrutiny, with attendance numbers reaching record highs in recent years. Critics argue that the conferences have become unwieldy and ineffective, with expectations for a new climate-saving pact at each meeting hindering progress. Suggestions for reform include decentralizing the events and separating negotiations, summits, and climate expos to make the conferences more efficient and focused.

While some progress has been made since the Paris Agreement, such as the establishment of a loss and damage fund for developing countries, there is still room for improvement in the UNFCCC process. Managing expectations and focusing on implementation rather than grand gestures at each COP conference could lead to more meaningful outcomes. Ultimately, the success of the COP29 talks and future climate negotiations will depend on the willingness of member states to address the root causes of climate change and take decisive action to reduce emissions.

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