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A delegate reacts during the final negotiations that led to a much-criticized climate finance deal. Credit: UN Climate Change/Kiara Worth

By Joyce Chimbi
BAKU, Nov 24 2024 (IPS)

They say it is taboo to talk about money. But this is exactly what developing countries came for: to haggle and push for the climate finance deal of a lifetime, as the climate crisis is, for them, a matter of life and death. Wealthy nations also came for their own deal of a lifetime—to hoist the climate finance burden on the private sector as they take the bare minimum financial responsibility.

A finance COP was always going to be difficult as, although they can pay, they simply will not pay. Mere hours before the expected final text of the “Host Country” Agreement to be signed between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the COP29 presidency released a draft text proposing that the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on climate finance would be USD 250 billion.

Developing world wanted USD 1.3 trillion. The offer sparked outrage from the Global South, silent Baku protests, and threats of boycott as “no deal was better than a bad deal.”

In the pandemonium, Brazil too warned there would be no deal unless COP29 raised the climate finance target. What followed were accusations and counter-accusations as negotiations overran into the wee hours of Sunday morning when the COP29 Presidency finally announced a deal of USD 300 billion.

“This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. “But like any insurance policy, it only works if premiums are paid in full and on time. Promises must be kept to protect billions of lives.”

One critic warned that the rich countries staged a ‘great escape’ at COP29. Credit: UN Climate Change/Kiara Worth

The new deal triples public finance to developing countries, from the previous goal of USD 100 billion annually to USD 300 billion annually by 2035, and secures efforts of all actors to work together to scale up finance to developing countries, from public and private sources, to the amount of USD 1.3 trillion per year by 2035.

Responding to the outcome of the COP29 climate summit, Mohamed Adow, director of climate and energy think tank Power Shift Africa, said COP29 has been “a disaster for the developing world. It is a betrayal of both people and planet by wealthy countries that claim to take climate change seriously. Rich countries have promised to “mobilise” some funds in the future, rather than provide them now.”

“The cheque is in the mail. But lives and livelihoods in vulnerable countries are being lost now. At this ‘Finance COP’ not a single dollar of real climate finance has been provided right now. Not only did the global north impose a low-ball finance figure, it comes into force 11 years from now. This deal is too little, too late.”

Adow said the rich world staged “a great escape in Baku. With no real money on the table and vague and unaccountable promises of funds to be mobilised, they are trying to shirk their climate finance obligations. Leaving the world without the resources needed to avert climate catastrophe. Poor countries needed to see clear, grant-based climate finance that would boost their ability to deal with the impacts of the climate crisis and accelerate their decarbonisation efforts. But that was sorely lacking.”

Fadhel Kaboub, a member of the Independent Expert Group on Just Transition and Development, says the USD 1.3 trillion per year that the Global South asked for is meant to be a modest and reasonable good faith downpayment towards real climate action by the Global North. He said, “In the Global South, climate finance needs to come in the form of grants, not loans and further economic entrapment, cancellation of all climate-related debts, and transfer and sharing of life-saving technologies to manufacture and deploy renewables, clean cooking, clean transportation, and the climate resilience and adaptation infrastructure that we need.”

Energies were low on the final official day of negotiations; the vibrant conversations that filled the air and purposeful walks from plenary to pavilions and back were long gone. The wait did not pay off. Fred Njehu, Pan-African Political Strategist, Greenpeace Africa, said that while developed nations continue to “dodge their responsibilities, our communities are drowning, starving, and losing their homes to a crisis they didn’t create.”

The developing world were losers in the finance deal at COP29, critics say. One critic warned that the rich countries staged a ‘great escape’ at COP29. Credit: UN Climate Change/Kiara Worth

COP29 brought together nearly 200 countries. The most debated issues in Baku were around the NCQG, the Global Goal on Adaptation, and the Just Transition Work Programme. In the end, other highlights included the agreement on how carbon markets will operate under the Paris Agreement, making country-to-country trading and a carbon crediting mechanism fully operational.

On transparent climate reporting, Parties agreed to build a stronger evidence base to strengthen climate policies over time, helping to identify financing needs and opportunities. The COP decision on matters relating to the least developed countries (LDCs) contains a provision for the establishment of a support program for the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) for the LDCs.

COP29 took a decisive step forward to elevate the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in climate action, adopting the Baku Workplan and renewing the mandate of the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP).

Countries agreed a decision on gender and climate change, extending the enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender and Climate Change for another 10 years, reaffirming the importance of gender equality and advancing gender mainstreaming throughout the convention. They also agreed to develop a new gender action plan for adoption at COP30, which will set the direction for concrete implementation.

“No country got everything they wanted, and we leave Baku with a mountain of work to do,” said Stiell. “The many other issues we need to progress may not be headlines, but they are lifelines for billions of people. So, this is no time for victory laps; we need to set our sights and redouble our efforts on the road to Belem.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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P.C. Chen from Hong Kong shares insights with Inter Press Service on China's climate commitments and progress at COP29. Crediit: Aishwarya Bajpai/IPS

By Aishwarya Bajpai
BAKU, Nov 23 2024 (IPS)

As COP29 draws to a close, voices from diverse regions have shed light on their contributions, challenges, and aspirations in tackling the climate crisis.

Among these voices is Pui Cheong Chen, CEO of Hong Kong Quality Insurance Agency and a representative from Hong Kong, who shared his observations about China’s progress, its role as a global player, and the expectations from developed nations.

China’s Journey Toward Green Transition

PC Chen highlighted the significant strides China has made in combating climate change, particularly since the Paris Agreement. “There’s been a big, big achievement for China since the Paris Agreement—less than 10 years, and you could see the big steps and a lot of achievement from the Chinese government,” he noted.

This progress is rooted in the government’s commitment to renewable energy and low-carbon transitions across various sectors.

Chen described the China Pavilion at COP29 as a hub of innovation, showcasing achievements not just from Hong Kong but also from regions like Guangdong and Shenzhen.

“A lot of sharing, including our sessions, showcased the progress and achievements from the civilian sector, companies, and the government’s perspective,” he said.

Hong Kong, where Chen resides, has strongly committed to carbon neutrality. Initiatives include promoting sustainable fuel, offering subsidies for power plants to transition to cleaner energy sources, and shifting from traditional fossil fuels to lower-carbon alternatives like natural gas.

The Role of Developing Nations

While China and other developing countries have demonstrated significant progress, Chen noted a disparity in the pace of action between developed and developing nations. “Frankly speaking, I observed a lot of positive progress from developing countries, but developed countries seem to be taking a more reserved and conservative approach,” he observed.

He commended Middle Eastern countries for their innovative energy solutions and substantial investments in green technologies, emphasizing their proactive steps in contrast to some developed nations.

A Call for Global Carbon Markets

One of the highlights of COP29, according to Chen, was the progress made under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, which relates to global carbon markets. “This could be a good beginning to promoting a unified global carbon market,” he said. Chen believes such a framework would incentivize organizations and nations to reduce carbon emissions and foster collaboration across economies.

He also underscored the need for developed countries to contribute more—both financially and technologically. “A lot of these new initiatives require monetary resources for transformations. Developed countries have advanced technologies that could bring significant societal change, but they often hesitate to share,” he remarked.

China’s Role as a Leader

China’s status as a developing country is often debated due to its massive economy and significant global influence. Chen acknowledged China’s challenges, particularly post-COVID, but expressed optimism about its potential. “China has a very strong economic foundation and can do more, not just through government policies but by mobilizing contributions from different sectors of society,” he said.

Chen emphasized the role of coastal regions like Guangdong and Shenzhen, which are well-developed and can spearhead green transitions. He advocated for incentivizing both state-owned enterprises and private businesses to contribute to climate goals.

A Message for Climate Negotiators

When asked about his message for COP29, Chen urged developed countries to take greater responsibility. “Developed nations should contribute more, both monetarily and through technology sharing. Climate action is for the common good; it’s not about individual countries but the world as a whole,” he stated.

Chen concluded by expressing pride in China’s efforts, highlighting its proactive approach and innovative solutions as a responsible global player. His reflections underscore the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility in addressing the climate crisis—a sentiment echoed across COP29 discussions.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Malang Sambou Manneh, who is representing The Gambia as lead negotiator for the mitigation work program as well as the nationally determined contributions at COP29 Baku. Credit: Joyce Chimbi/IPS

By Joyce Chimbi
BAKU, Nov 23 2024 (IPS)

Every year, the Conference of the Parties creates a global milestone for the climate movement, setting new standards and advancing action towards a net-zero planet to sustain all life on earth. COPs provide a platform for the global community to agree on what it would take to restore planet Earth and the contributions that all signatories to the Paris Agreement should make.

The negotiations are often tense, long, and winding and, more often than not, laden with divergent views on how to build back better. As climate change takes away lives and livelihoods, leaving behind substantial loss and damage, IPS spoke to Malang Sambou Manneh, who is representing The Gambia as lead negotiator for the mitigation work program as well as the nationally determined contributions at COP29 Baku.

Sambou has seen it all, having participated at the COPs since the landmark Paris Conference and a negotiator in COP27 Sharm El-Sheikh that set the rolling for the Loss and Damage Fund, COP28 UAE, where the Just Transition from Fossil Fuel deal was struck and COP29 Baku now dubbed the Climate Finance COP.

He says ongoing negotiations started with the sixtieth sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SB60) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in June 2024 and that the outcome shaped the agenda for COP29. But even then, the signs were there that the road ahead would not be easy.

“During SB60 in Bonn, we tried to ensure that the mitigation work program is adapted, but unfortunately, we did not reach any agreement, which means we ended up with Rule 16—no consensus. But COP29 was to be a lifeline for the mitigation agenda. Still, negotiations on mitigation have not been progressive or desirable.”

Stressing that while it costs resources and time to participate at any COP, it is disappointing to see some parties quickly move to Rule 16 or no consensus on critical issues such as mitigation and fossil fuels and that they were not prepared to talk. The African Group of negotiators has nonetheless remained firm and unified around the main agenda, as most of the cities and countries are in danger from climate change. But there are certainly contentious issues around, say, fossil fuels.

On fossil fuels, The Gambia has no sacrifice to make compared to other fossil fuel-rich countries in Africa. Saying, “I can talk in the Gambia’s national capacity and say we will move away from fossil fuels, and our energy transition can directly move to renewables. For others, it is a tough choice to make. The least developed countries, who are the clear victims of climate change, should be pushing for the transition, and the tripling of renewable energy deployment in Africa is there the most vulnerable.”

Sambou works extensively in education, agriculture, health, and renewable energy. Observing, “I came from a little poor family who have migrated to Europe. I did all my studies, built my family studies, and came back to Gambia and then, 10 years ago, developed a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) school for young women who are in technology and installing technology. And now, with the climate promise funded by UNDP, women are becoming independent power producers and building businesses around this.”

As a negotiator in climate, the TVET is a highlight of his life’s work, enrolling 100 women every year. The school is called Fandema, ‘Help Yourself’. Sambou TVET activities and projects are all built around responsible and sustainable development.

Knowledge gained working with communities has enriched his capacities as a negotiator in climate talks, giving him insights into how communities are interacting with the challenges and barriers caused by climate change towards sustainable climate solutions. But he says arriving at consensus at the COPs is not always easy, despite the magnitude of climate-provoked problems facing the global communities. Already, there have been many issues of contention.

“For instance, on two occasions within my thematic discussions, we had instances where discussions stalled. Remember, these are negotiations of Parties and some have strong positions about many different issues. Very early on, some strong Parties have already stated that they are not interested in making any political high-level messages or statements, and there are issues they do not want to see within the mitigation work program. It is a tight rope to walk,” he observes.

In such cases, it means negotiators proceed in making policy messages, which are not as effective as political high-level statements. Further saying that Africa needs to be in a strategic position to interpret COP29 text contextually as it is the only way that COP decisions can translate into changing lives.

“I am very disappointed to see that coming here from a poor country is a big sacrifice, only to reach here, and the technical people are not interested in talking to each other over these issues. There has to be total consensus, so if one Party backs out of any of these issues, there is no consensus,” he says.

Sambou does not like what he has seen thus far at COP29. He feels the talks lacked the push and momentum needed to deliver an ambitious outcome and especially around mitigation. He faults developing countries for their lukewarm approach and even hostile take on mitigation.

While he understands that developing countries in Africa see embracing the mitigation agenda as translating to a total change of their lifestyles and systems, “we are 58 years behind in terms of development, and it would be best to move forward with practices, lifestyles, and systems that align with the climate agenda.”

“Mitigation is not a burden for us; it is an action that we must all partake in. For instance, it is about methods of consumption and production that are responsible, sustainable, and in line with the SDGs. We have to be wise enough and say, ‘Let us save the planet’ because we are not yet contaminated, but we can also control how the things are moving,” he observes.

On what a deal of a lifetime would look like, Sambou speaks of the need for “high-level messages of commitment on mitigation from every responsible country represented at COP29. That pledges that are in place are fulfilled. Developed nations are paying the cost of climate change. More renewables and tripling of renewable energy. Climate accountability and transparency and a substantial reduction of emissions, as this will save us all from the little islands and small countries, poor and underdeveloped nations are looking at COPs for a much-needed lifeline.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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