Tensions are rising during the second week of climate talks in Baku as countries struggle to make progress in climate talks and the COP29 presidency has appointed a team of environment ministers to consult on the negotiations.
SA’s forestry, fisheries & environment minister Dion George is one of the team members.
George joined the SA delegation only on Saturday at what is being called the “finance COP,” where nearly 200 countries are gathered to focus on designing a sustainable funding system for developing nations.
The new climate finance goal is called the New Collective Quantified Goal. Developing countries, including SA, are pushing for wealthy nations to commit to mobilising $1.3-trillion year by 2030 — three times the $100bn annual commitment made at COP16 for 2020.
This week, negotiators must agree on the structure of the finance package, the quantum and who should contribute.
“We can’t lose sight of the forest because we’re tussling over individual trees. Nor can we afford an outbreak of ‘you-first-ism’,” said UN Climate Change executive secretary Simon Stiell on Monday.
“Where groups of parties dig in and refuse to move on one issue, until others move elsewhere, this is a recipe for going literally nowhere. And could set global climate efforts back at a time when we simply must be moving forward.”
Stiell called on the conference to “cut the theatrics and get down to real business”.
“People have told me that they’re concerned about the state of the negotiations. Let me be clear, I’m also concerned that the parties are not moving towards each other quickly enough. It’s time to for them to move faster,” COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev said.
“This week, we will welcome ministers from around the world as the negotiations reach their final stage. Politicians have the power to reach a fair and ambitious deal. They must deliver on this responsibility.”
Babayev mentioned that various ministers of environmental affairs have been appointed to hold consultations across a broad range of issues. Brazil and the UK were appointed to help in “delivering a high, ambitious and balanced package of negotiated outcomes.”
Egypt and Australia will consult on the key issues concerning the structure of the finance package, while Norway minister Tine Sundtoft and George will consult on establishing a feasible mitigation outcome.
Babayev said the COP29 presidency was relying on Group of Twenty (G20) countries, now meeting in Brazil, to aid in negotiations and provide clear mandates for climate action.
“This is their chance to show their leadership,” he said.
This year’s G20 summit marks a historic milestone for Africa, with the continent taking its place as a permanent member for the first time. The event also precedes SA’s G20 presidency in 2025 — the first hosted on African soil and the final one under a developing country’s leadership.
Representing 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of international trade and two-thirds of the world’s population, the G20 has unparalleled influence in shaping global policies.
“They account for 85% of global GDP and 80% of emissions,” Babayev said. “Their leadership is essential to making progress on all pillars of the Paris Agreement, from finance to mitigation and adaptation, we cannot succeed without them, and the world is waiting to hear from them.
“We urge them to use the G20 meeting to send a positive signal of their commitment to addressing the climate crisis.”
The conference has been facing controversy, as Azerbaijan, known for its oil and gas industry, hosts COP29. The Azerbaijani president even referred to oil and gas as a “gift from God” in his address to the climate conference.
Tensions have further escalated due to the re-election of Donald Trump. If his first term and recent campaign promises are any indication, Trump is expected to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement and prioritise oil and gas production. This development could force parties to seek alternative financing sources.
Last week a group of former leaders and climate experts published an open letter arguing that the COP climate talks are no longer “fit for purpose”.
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