“Record Attendance at COP29 in Baku: Global Leaders Gather for Climate Talks”
Over 50,000 people have gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the United Nations climate conference known as COP29, making it the second largest of the annual gatherings in their history, according to official estimates and recently published data. The conference has evolved from a small gathering of diplomats into a major world summit, with growing delegations from developing countries that produce fossil fuels and are particularly vulnerable to their pollution.
This year’s meeting comes amid record-breaking global temperatures and the election of Donald J. Trump as U.S. president, causing concerns that the United States may retreat on its climate commitments. Diplomats from nearly 200 member countries will seek a deal on climate financing to support the clean energy transition in developing economies. The conference will also feature side events and exhibitions attended by observer groups, academics, and media.
While the attendance is high, fewer world leaders will make appearances this year. Around 80 leaders are expected to attend, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, who announced ambitious new emissions commitments. However, many heads of state from major carbon polluters like the United States and China will not be present.
The conference has seen a surge in attendance in recent years, particularly from Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. More than 70,000 people attended COP28 in Dubai last year, including over 150 heads of state and thousands of lobbyists from the oil and gas industry.
COP29 will be the third conference in a row hosted in a country heavily reliant on fossil fuel production. Azerbaijan will bring the largest state delegation this year, with a significant increase in participation compared to previous years. Russia, which pushed for this year’s location, has also increased its presence at the conference.
Despite being hosted in petrostates, previous conferences have still made progress towards global climate goals. Commitments to transition away from fossil fuels and address loss and damage have been formalized at past conferences. However, challenges remain, especially for developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa that have been disproportionately affected by climate change.
Member states are expected to update their emission targets at this year’s conference, as global emissions continue to rise. The world is on track to see 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming this year, highlighting the urgent need for action to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The focus of COP29 will be on climate financing and addressing the development gap to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.