Curtain Raiser For COP 29, Azerbaijan, Baku (2024)

1. Introduction - The Climate Summit of a Generation

The Conference of the Parties also referred to as the COPs are a series of high-level meetings organized under the "United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)", a multilateral treaty that was adopted in 1992 to address global climate issues. Since its inception, the COP has grown into the world's largest platform for international climate negotiations, bringing together representatives from nearly every country, having a total expansion of 198 parties (197 countries and the European Union) along with organizations from civil society, businesses, and the private sector. The first COP meeting took place in 1995 in Berlin, marking the beginning of a global cooperation to tackle climate change. The COP is held annually unless the Parties agree to a different schedule. The meetings are held in Bonn, where the UNFCCC secretariat is based, unless a member country volunteers to host the event, similar to how the COP Presidency rotates among the five recognized UN regions — Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, and Western Europe and Others.

At the core of these conferences is the collective effort to assess and advance the goals set under the "Paris Agreement of 2015", a landmark accord that seeks to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This target is crucial to preventing the most severe impacts of climate change, and the COP meetings are designed to help measure the progress and negotiate pathways to achieve it. It serves as a platform where an elaborative review of climate commitments are assessed and new measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions are planned. Its primary function is to enable international cooperation on ways to reduce carbon emissions and to adapt to the inevitable changes caused by climate change. Another significant responsibility of COPs is overseeing the Loss and Damage Fund, which was established to provide financial support to countries most vulnerable to climate-related disasters, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. This fund recognizes the unequal impacts of climate change, where some nations, particularly low-income and developing ones, suffer disproportionately despite contributing less to global emissions.

To explore the journey of COP over the past 3 years, please follow the links below:

COP 26: https://www.mondaq.com/india/climate-change/1129410/cop26-on-climate-change-crisis-in-glasgow-november-2021-change-cannot-be-stopped-

https://www.mondaq.com/india/climate-change/1141612/detailed-analysis-of-historical-cop26-in-glasgow-30-oct-12-nov-2021-on-climate-change

COP 27: https://www.mondaq.com/india/climate-change/1247750/curtain-raiser-to-cop-27-egypt-november-2022-key-expectations

https://www.mondaq.com/india/climate-change/1266290/summary-of-cop27-climate-action-is-key-to-all-countries-

COP 28: https://www.mondaq.com/india/climate-change/1390750/anticipation-and-ambitions-at-unfccc-cop-28-dubai-30-nov-12-dec-2023-curtain-raiser

https://www.mondaq.com/article/1409192

2. What is COP 29?

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) is set to convene from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This important international gathering will assemble representatives from around the world to address the urgent issue of climate change and advance the collective response required to alleviate its effects, particularly focusing on the challenge of mobilizing financial resources for developing nations. At COP29, a key emphasis will be on ensuring that financial commitments are made alongside transparent mechanisms for their delivery. Another vital objective of COP29 will be to secure funding as a strategic 'course correction' for global climate action. The phrase "course correction" underscores the necessity for a strategic shift in the management and allocation of climate finance. This entails not only increasing the overall funding available but also ensuring that resources are directed to the areas and countries where they are most urgently needed. In recent years, despite advancements in certain sectors, there is growing apprehension that global efforts remain inadequate to achieve the targets established in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with aspirations to restrict it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, will serve as the President Designate for the forthcoming UNFCCC COP29. As the host nation, Azerbaijan will assume a significant leadership role throughout these critical negotiations. Minister Babayev will be responsible for steering discussions, facilitating agreements, and ensuring that the outcomes of COP29 align with the overarching objective of strengthening global climate action.

The conference will consist of the following components-

1. 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29)
2. 19th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 19)
3. 60th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 6)
4. 61st session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 61)
5. 61st session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 61)

Collectively, these sessions will address a broad spectrum of issues pertaining to climate governance, commitments for emission reductions, and ongoing climate initiatives under both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. The incoming COP29 Presidency has pledged to maintain a transparent and inclusive process throughout the year leading up to the event. This will involve continuous engagement with national governments and key stakeholders at various levels, including ministerial meetings, dialogues with the Heads of Delegation, and technical discussions, all aimed at laying the groundwork for a successful and impactful COP29. In pursuit of this objective, the presidencies of both COP28 and COP29 will collaborate closely with the Chairs of the subsidiary bodies and will be supported by the UNFCCC secretariat. This cooperative effort seeks to ensure consistency in approach and alignment with the common vision for COP29, building on previous accomplishments while tackling future challenges.

3. Two-Week Schedule of COP 29

Source- https://www.cop29greenzone.com/

The key areas of focus for COP 29 will be the following-

• Climate Finance and the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) - A key emphasis will be on aligning climate finance with global requirements, addressing challenges associated with the NCQG, including the establishment of a new target, identifying the contributor base, and enhancing the engagement of the private sector.
• Article 6 and Carbon Market Mobilization - Initiatives will focus on implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to enhance the functionality of carbon markets, ensure genuine emissions reductions, and mitigate the risk of greenwashing.
• Expansion of the Loss and Damage Fund - Strengthening the Loss and Damage Fund will be crucial, involving increased contributions, appointing leadership, and integrating private sector financial resources to effectively address climate-related losses and damages.
• Advancing Climate Adaptation - Prioritizing adaptation measures, particularly through the development of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and addressing the adaptation finance gap will be vital for supporting vulnerable nations in managing the unavoidable consequences of climate change.

4. Brief Analysis of Key COP 28 Outcomes¹

i. Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement

COP 28 was a historic moment as it concluded the first global stocktake of the world's progress in addressing climate change under the Paris Agreement. This process was designed to assess global efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience to climate impacts, and providing financial and technological support to developing nations. The results of the stocktake painted a stark picture, showing that progress was far too slow across all the areas. Countries responded to this assessment by agreeing to accelerate climate action, setting more ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030. One of the most significant outcomes was a call for governments to hasten the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This conclusion laid the groundwork for countries to formulate stronger climate action plans by 2025.

ii. Fossil Fuel Transition

The energy transition away from fossil fuels was a central theme at COP 28. Recognizing that limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires an urgent and large-scale shift, participants agreed that the pace and scale of the energy transition must increase significantly. COP 28 declared this moment as the "beginning of the end" for the fossil fuel era. Nearly 200 parties reached a consensus to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and ensure that this transition would be just and equitable, as it would support workers and communities that are currently dependent on the fossil fuel industry. Moreover, there was a push to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, viewed as a clean energy alternative that could complement renewable sources.

iii. Renewable Energy and Efficiency Targets

One of the landmark decisions from COP 28 was the call to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This goal is considered vital for reducing carbon emissions and making significant progress toward a low-carbon energy system. Along with expanding renewable energy sources, COP 28 also emphasized the importance of improving global energy efficiency. The target was to double energy efficiency improvements, moving from 2% to 4%. These measures were seen as essential in transitioning away from coal power and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Achieving these targets would require significant investments and international cooperation to ensure that renewable energy systems could meet the rising demand.

iv. Loss and Damage Fund

COP 28 took a major step in addressing climate-related damages by fully operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund. This fund was established to support countries that are already experiencing severe economic and developmental setbacks due to climate change. The fund's operationalization included creating a dedicated secretariat for the Santiago Network, which aims to provide technical assistance to countries most vulnerable to climate impacts. This initiative will help build resilience by offering resources and expertise to manage climate-induced disasters and mitigate further damage. The creation of this fund has secured commitments amounting to USD 661 million so far, which serves as a significant emblem of global unity, underscoring both the pressing nature of the climate crisis and an advancement in international climate justice.

v. Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)

For the first time, COP 28 set global adaptation targets under the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). This framework outlined the key areas where the world needs to improve resilience to climate change, focusing on sectors such as water management, food security, health systems, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The GGA highlighted the need to align financial, technological, and capacity-building resources with these adaptation goals, guiding countries toward ambitious adaptation strategies. This framework aims to ensure that countries are better prepared for the inevitable impacts of climate change while addressing the underlying vulnerabilities of communities. At COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, commitments amounting to USD 2.6 billion for regenerative agriculture and climate-focused food innovation financing were made.

vi. Climate Finance

Climate finance remained a critical issue at COP 28, with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) receiving a record-breaking pledge of USD 12.8 billion from 31 countries. These funds were intended to support climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions. In addition to the GCF, significant contributions were made to other climate-related funds, such as the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Adaptation Fund, which provide essential support to countries struggling with climate impacts. Fresh commitments were pledged nearly to USD 188 million to the Adaptation Fund at COP 28. At the Summit, the EU and its Member States declared €175 million in funding to support the Methane Finance Sprint, aimed at enhancing methane reduction initiatives.

vii. Linking Climate and Biodiversity

For the first time, COP 28 acknowledged the inextricable links between climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution collectively known as the triple planetary crisis. This marked a turning point in global climate policy, as it integrated ecosystem and biodiversity protection into the national climate action plans. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of the planet's land and oceans by 2030, was aligned with COP 28's climate action goals. Additionally, efforts were made to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems, recognizing that biodiversity plays a crucial role in mitigating climate impacts.

viii. Gender Equality Day

The presidency of COP 28 introduced the Gender-Responsive Just Transitions & Climate Action Partnership, endorsed by 68 parties. This initiative is built upon the progress made under the UN Climate Change Lima Work Programme and its Gender Action Plan, focusing on securing financial resources for just transitions that empower women economically. It also sought to improve the collection and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform climate policy and ensure that women are equally represented in leadership roles within the green economy. The initiative aimed to promote gender equity in job creation, skills development, and decision-making processes as part of broader climate action efforts.

5. Focus of COP 29

The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29), set to take place in November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, will serve as a pivotal forum for advancing global climate initiatives. Alongside COP 29, the conference will also feature the 19th Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 19) and the sixth meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 6). A major focus will be finalizing the enhanced transparency framework and setting new global financial goals. Additionally, sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 61) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 61) will be convened.

Under the theme "In Solidarity for a Green World," COP 29 will concentrate on enhancing climate ambition and accelerating action. High-level dialogues will tackle the challenges related to the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the provision of essential support to ensure a fair and sustainable transition aligned with the 1.5°C target.

I. World Climate Action Summit

The event will host high-level dialogues where global leaders are set to commit to enhancing international collaboration on climate action. These discussions will focus on exploring non-market approaches that foster cooperation and innovative solutions. The summit will aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, promoting the dissemination of best practices in tackling climate challenges. The Standing Committee on Finance will present key insights and recommendations on climate finance mechanisms, evaluating their effectiveness and suggesting ways to improve financial support for climate initiatives.

II. Finance, Investment and Trade

The 6th High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance will gather ministers to discuss strategies for scaling up climate finance globally, addressing obstacles to financing, and finding solutions to align resources with global climate goals, particularly in developing nations. The dialogue will emphasize the importance of robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track adaptation efforts, ensuring that resources are used effectively to support vulnerable communities. Young leaders will play an active role, discussing how they can advocate for climate finance and influence policymakers to prioritize sustainable investment. Additionally, participants will explore the evolving landscape of loss and damage, with a focus on the Warsaw International Mechanism's role in facilitating financial support for affected countries. The session will concentrate on translating climate technology action plans into investable projects, ensuring proper funding for mitigation and adaptation technologies.

III. Energy, Peace, Relief, and Recovery

The conference will spotlight sustainable future visions (SFV) for energy transitions and recovery, examining the connections between energy, peace, and development within the climate change framework. It will review global commitments to energy transitions and recovery, offering insights into progress and future challenges in meeting climate targets. Youth representatives will engage in discussions on innovative solutions and advocate for energy transitions that support peace and recovery in climate-impacted regions, highlighting their essential role in driving a sustainable future.

IV. Science, Technology and Innovation, Digitalisation

This session will evaluate the latest scientific and technological advancements in climate action and assess how these can be applied to enhance the preparation and implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Open dialogues will provide a platform for NGOs and representatives to express their perspectives on the presidency's agenda and contribute to climate action strategies. Young innovators will also discuss how digital technologies and innovations can be leveraged to tackle climate challenges and promote sustainability. Knowledge-sharing workshops will equip countries with the tools and expertise required to develop and implement their NDCs effectively, ensuring they meet their climate commitments. The closing plenary will summarize the key outcomes from the Subsidiary Body sessions, emphasizing science and technology's role in driving climate action.

V. Human Development, Children, and Youth, Health, Education

A High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Pre-2030 Ambition will convene to discuss the critical need for ambitious climate actions that take into account health and educational outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities. The event will also include a session summarizing three decades of adaptation efforts under the UN Climate Change Process, reflecting on successes, lessons learned, and future directions for enhancing resilience. Ministerial roundtable discussions will centre on ensuring a just transition, where climate actions do not disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and promote sustainable development. The Youth-Led Climate Forum will conclude with key recommendations from young participants, underscoring their contributions to global climate action.

VI. Food, Agriculture and Water

The discussions on this topic will revolve around building sustainable food systems that are resilient to climate change, especially given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Participants will explore how to expedite the implementation of NDCs in the agricultural sector by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. Ministers will address the financial requirements for adapting agriculture to climate change. However, the focus will remain on mobilizing resources to support farmers and food systems. This will aim to maximize the impact of adaptation funding to ensure equitable transitions in food security and agricultural sustainability.

VII. Urbanization, Transport, Tourism

For the first time, COP 29 will include "Climate Action in Tourism" on its agenda. The Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism will be launched to examine the contributions of national tourism administrations to the development and achievement of future NDCs. Additionally, a global coordination and partnership mechanism for climate action in tourism will be unveiled, ensuring coherence, alignment, and greater impact across the UN system and among key stakeholders.

VIII. Nature and Biodiversity, Indigenous People, Gender Equality, Ocean and Coastal Zones

The event will focus on integrating gender considerations into climate transparency efforts, ensuring that the voices and needs of women are prioritized. Discussions will aim to create equitable systems for reporting and accountability in climate action, with gender perspectives woven into decision-making processes. Recognizing that Indigenous Peoples steward 80% of the world's biodiversity and that women-led climate action represents transformative pathways, the session will highlight the significance of nature-based solutions for both climate mitigation and adaptation. Additionally, the importance of water to both human society and biodiversity will be emphasized, stressing the interconnectedness of these vital ecosystems.

6. List of Summits/meetings since December 2023

7. Conclusion

COP 29 stands as a pivotal moment in the global climate dialogue, offering an opportunity to address some of the most pressing and unresolved issues in climate policy while pushing forward collective climate ambition. With Azerbaijan hosting this crucial gathering and under the designated leadership of Minister Mukhtar Babayev, COP 29 is expected to place a strategic emphasis on mobilizing substantial climate finance, particularly for developing nations, and establishing clear, transparent mechanisms to ensure that funds are allocated effectively and reach those who need them most.

The theme of a "course correction" is central to COP 29's objectives, highlighting the need for recalibrating the approach to climate finance and ensuring that resources not only increase but are directed where they are most impactful. This approach aims to support vulnerable countries, especially those disproportionately affected by climate-induced challenges, and to address the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation strategies worldwide. The conference will seek to break the persistent deadlock on issues such as binding emission reductions, phase-down commitments for fossil fuels, and stronger renewable energy targets, reinforcing the objectives set forth by the Paris Agreement and working to keep the 1.5°C target within reach.

Moreover, COP 29 will address the gaps left unfulfilled in the previous conferences, such as the establishment of a reliable financing mechanism for the Global Goal on Adaptation and the implementation of loss and damage funding. The conference will also strive to bring greater clarity and accountability to the language surrounding climate action, ensuring that terms like "low-carbon" and "transitional fuels" are not used to permit prolonged dependence on fossil fuels under the guise of sustainable development.

Throughout the sessions—ranging from the Conference of the Parties to the Paris Agreement to the Subsidiary Bodies for scientific and technological advice—COP 29 will cover a comprehensive array of issues from climate finance to emissions reductions, building on the progress made while aiming to resolve longstanding challenges. In leading this year's conference, the incoming COP 29 Presidency has committed to a process that is transparent and inclusive, engaging with governments, stakeholders, and civil society to foster collaboration and build consensus in the lead-up to COP 29.

As world leaders, industry representatives, and activists convene in Baku, COP 29 has the potential to be a transformative chapter in climate negotiations, translating global promises into practical outcomes and setting a strengthened, unified pathway forward in the race to combat climate change. This conference is not only an opportunity to solidify past commitments but also to shape an ambitious and resilient future for global climate action.

8. References

• https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Summary_GCA_COP28.pdf
• https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/10/11/the-finance-cop-heres-whats-on-the-agenda-at-the-cop29-climate-summit-in-baku-next-month
• https://unu.edu/ehs/news/5-highlights-expect-cop29-baku#:~:text=COP29%20will%20drive%20adaptation%20action,in%20their%20implementation%20by%202030.
• https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/cop-climate-change-conference/
• https://unfccc.int/documents/640649
• https://thinklandscape.globallandscapesforum.org/65769/climate-events-2024/
• https://cop29.az/en/pages/cop-29-presidential-action-agenda-global-initiatives
• https://www.unwto.org/events/un-climate-change-cop29-thematic-day-on-tourism
• https://unfccc.int/cop28/5-key-takeaways#strengthening-resilience
• https://forumias.com/blog/cop-28-outcomes-and-shortcomings-explained-pointwise-infographics/

Footnotes

1. To read more in detail about COP 28, follow these links:

https://www.mondaq.com/india/climate-change/1390750/anticipation-and-ambitions-at-unfccc-cop-28-dubai-30-nov-12-dec-2023-curtain-raiser

https://www.mondaq.com/article/1409192

2. https://sdgs.un.org/2024ECOSOCPartnershipForum

3. https://blue-economy-observatory.ec.europa.eu/events/11th-annual-world-ocean-summit-2024-03-11_en

4. https://www.nbsconference.org/

5. https://www.oceandecade.org/

6. https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/sids2024

7. https://unfccc.int/sb60

8. https://unfccc.int/sb60

9. https://eccb2024.eu/

10. https://worldcongress.iclei.org/

11. https://globalpeatlands.org/events/glf-peatlands-2024-climate-solution-we-forgot

12. https://sdg.iisd.org/events/26th-iufro-world-congress/

13. https://sdg.iisd.org/events/26th-iufro-world-congress/

14. https://peatlands.org/event/17th-international-peatland-congress/

15. https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/events/glf-africa-2024-greening-african-horizon

16. https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future

17. https://www.unepfi.org/themes/climate-change/unep-fi-at-climate-week-nyc-2024/

18. https://sdg.iisd.org/events/pre-cop-to-the-2024-un-climate-change-conference/

Ms Mahima Rawat is an ESG enthusiast & has done her post-graduation in MSC in Environmental Studies. Currently, she is designated as an assistant manager – ESG at Dhir & Dhir Associates.

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