2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference

COP29: The Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan

Imagine a world where every country comes together to tackle the biggest challenge of our time: climate change. That’s what COP29, scheduled for November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, aims to do. But is it really as simple as that?

The Controversy Surrounding COP29

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: why is Azerbaijan hosting this conference? Critics argue that hosting COP29 is a form of greenwashing—using environmental initiatives to cover up other less savory practices. After all, Azerbaijan has been criticized for its poor human rights record and allegations of ethnic cleansing. How can we trust them with such an important global issue when they’re accused of suppressing free speech?

Moreover, the “official partners” of COP29 are businesses owned or tied to the Aliyev family, which has raised concerns about legitimacy and authoritarianism. It’s like inviting a known cheater to run a marathon—how fair is that?

The Progress and Challenges

Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments. In June 2024, progress was made on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and adaptation indicators for COP29. However, limited progress was achieved on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This is like trying to build a house with one corner missing—sure, you can still make it work, but it’s not as strong or secure.

Azerbaijan introduced the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) in July 2024, aiming to attract $1 billion in annual contributions from fossil fuel-producing countries and companies. This is a step in the right direction, but can we really trust these funds when they’re coming from industries that are contributing to climate change?

The Organizing Committee and Key Figures

The Organising Committee for COP29 was established on January 13, 2024, with 56 members. The committee’s composition was expanded to include more women after criticism from Christiana Figueres. Mukhtar Babayev is the President of COP29, and Yalchin Rafiyev is the lead negotiator. The Presidency Team includes Elnur Soltanov as CEO and Narmin Jarchalova as Chief Operating Officer.

These key figures will play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of COP29. But can we really trust them when their country has such a questionable track record?

The Agenda and Goals

COP29 aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C and address issues such as carbon credit systems and emission avoidance. The agenda includes discussions on methane reduction, the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Digitalization Day, Human Development Day, food and water security, urbanization, transport, tourism, indigenous knowledge, gender equality, biodiversity, and negotiations to finalize commitments.

But is it all just talk? Leaders emphasized the need to cap global warming at 1.5°C, as current data suggests that existing climate pledges may allow for a 2.9°C increase. This is like trying to stop a runaway train with your bare hands—impossible without some serious action.

The Criticism and Controversies

In October 2024, Azerbaijan hosted a Pre-COP meeting to initiate discussions ahead of COP29, which emphasized setting a new climate finance goal, fully activating the Loss and Damage fund, and supporting vulnerable communities. However, disagreements persist over funding amount, grants and loans balance, and contributors.

Energy transition will be advanced, with emphasis on reducing fossil fuel reliance and scaling up renewable energy deployment. But what about those lobbyists? A report found that over 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists attended COP29, outnumbering delegates from nearly all climate-vulnerable nations except Azerbaijan, Brazil, and Türkiye. This is like inviting the arsonists to put out a fire—how can we trust them?

The Human Rights Concerns

Amnesty International has called for a Host Country Agreement with robust human rights protections. On November 14, 2024, the UN responded to complaints about limited vegan options at COP29. A single stall sold vegan food, while most stalls, including Domino’s Pizza, offered meat-based meals. This is like serving steak to a vegetarian—insensitive and unhelpful.

On November 15, Human Rights Watch revealed a disappointing Humanitarian Cooperation Agreement (HCA) between the UN and Azerbaijan, which has been criticized for its shortcomings and ambiguities on protecting participants’ rights. This is like signing a contract with vague terms—you never know what you’re getting into.

The Conclusion

So, as we approach COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the question remains: can this conference truly make a difference when it’s hosted by a country with such a questionable track record? The answer lies not just in the words spoken but in the actions taken. Will COP29 be remembered for its progress or its controversies?

The road to a sustainable future is long and winding, and every step counts. Let’s hope that COP29 takes us one step closer to a greener world.