COP29 Climate Talks: Tears, Laughs, Spats, and a Controversial Finance Deal

The COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, were filled with drama, tears, and controversy before finally concluding with a finance deal that sparked outrage among developing nations. The two-week conference brought together over 55,000 participants, including government negotiators, business representatives, activists, and journalists.

The conference began with speeches from world leaders, with UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell highlighting the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. However, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev took a different stance, praising fossil fuels as a “gift of the god” and urging leaders to be “realistic.”

Negotiations to establish a new finance goal for climate action in developing countries were tense, with developed nations hesitant to commit to a concrete offer. As the conference neared its end, a target of $300 billion a year by 2035 was pushed through in controversial circumstances, leading to walkouts by negotiators from small islands and the world’s poorest countries.

The five most dramatic moments from the COP29 talks included emotional speeches, diplomatic spats, and unexpected walkouts. UN’s climate head, Simon Stiell, shared a personal story of a climate change victim, while President Aliyev’s endorsement of fossil fuels sparked controversy. The lack of a clear finance proposal led to heated exchanges, with developing nations questioning the seriousness of the negotiations.

The walkout by vulnerable nations on the final night highlighted the frustration with the lack of inclusivity in the decision-making process. Despite objections from India and Nigeria, the finance deal was pushed through in the early hours of Sunday, leading to criticism of the handling of the agreement.

Overall, the COP29 climate talks in Baku were marked by tension, emotion, and controversy, underscoring the challenges of reaching consensus on critical climate issues. The final finance deal, while contentious, represents a significant commitment to supporting climate action in developing countries.