UN Climate Talks in Crisis as Developing Nations Stage Walkout at COP29
The COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is teetering on the brink of collapse after delegations from developing nations walked out of negotiations over climate finance. Host nation Azerbaijan has called for urgent consensus as tensions run high, with time running out to reach a resolution.
Developing Nations Demand Climate Justice
The walkout, led by small island states and least developed nations, highlighted the frustration of vulnerable countries over what they perceive as inadequate financial commitments from wealthy nations. Cedric Schuster, chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, stated, “We came here for a fair deal. We feel that we haven’t been heard.” Developing nations are demanding $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to combat climate impacts, far exceeding the $250 billion pledged in the latest draft proposal.
Negotiators from developing countries accuse wealthy nations of deploying delay tactics to secure smaller financial commitments. Panama’s chief negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, described the approach as a “war of attrition,” leaving poorer delegations exhausted and underrepresented.
A Deepening Divide
The financial stalemate stems from a broader disagreement over historical responsibility for climate change. Developing nations argue that wealthier countries, which have historically contributed the most to global emissions, must shoulder a greater share of the burden. Colombia’s Environment Minister, Susana Mohamed, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress, while climate activists criticized the United States for failing to meet its financial obligations.
Host country Azerbaijan has also faced criticism for allegedly sidelining small island nations and other vulnerable groups during the negotiations.
Global Priorities and Economic Constraints
Economic pressures, including ongoing conflicts such as the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, are hampering wealthy nations’ ability to commit to higher climate finance targets. “Wealthy nations are constrained by tight domestic budgets and competing priorities,” said Nazanine Moshiri, senior climate analyst at the International Crisis Group. However, the mounting costs of climate-driven disasters in vulnerable countries make delays untenable.
A Path Forward?
Despite the gridlock, some negotiators remain optimistic. “We must bridge the remaining divide,” urged COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev. Efforts are underway to salvage an agreement, with the European Union and United States engaging directly with developing nations. However, experts like Teresa Anderson of Action Aid warn that without a substantial increase in financial commitments, a deal remains unlikely.
Failure to reach an agreement at COP29 could deal a significant blow to global climate cooperation, with Monterrey Gomez warning, “If we don’t get a deal, it will be a fatal wound to this process, to the planet, to people.” As talks enter their final hours, the pressure is on for nations to find common ground and deliver a meaningful outcome.
Source : Swifteradio.com
