COP29 Fails to Deliver: A Grim Reminder of the Climate Crisis

When COP29 kicked off in Baku, the hosts held out hope that this summit would mark a milestone in the UN’s climate conference history. Instead, it became another grim reminder of how much work remains—and how little is being done. If anything, COP29 will likely be remembered more for its frustrations than for any meaningful progress.

The negotiations themselves were a showcase of squandered opportunities. Consider the ambitious climate financing goal of $1.3 trillion per year from developed nations to combat global warming. This lofty target was quickly abandoned, replaced by a drastically reduced $250 billion—a figure so diminished it felt more like capitulation than compromise. Even this scaled-back commitment sparked disputes among negotiators.

COP29 in Baku: A Global Truce for Climate Action and Peace

Tensions flared as the European Union pressed China to increase its financial contributions, exposing the deep divisions between global powers. While China outwardly supported the original $1.3 trillion target—seemingly to align itself with developing nations—it was unwilling to shoulder the financial burden such a pledge would entail. Meanwhile, draft agreements sidestepped critical details like specific country contributions, leaving developing nations understandably enraged.

Mohamed Adow of Power Shift Africa captured this discontent, describing the outcome as “a slap in the face” to countries already bearing the brunt of climate change. “No developing country will fall for this,” he said, echoing the frustrations of many.

Unfortunately, this cycle of inertia is nothing new. One activist aptly compared COP29 to Groundhog Day, the same repetitive climate drama playing out yet again. The procedural use of Rule 16 to defer contentious issues to next year’s conference in Brazil only underscored this stagnation.

But the disappointing negotiations were just one part of the problem. Azerbaijan’s leadership, particularly President Ilham Aliyev, failed to inspire with his opening remarks. Instead of championing bold measures to reduce emissions or boost climate finance, his speech veered into defensiveness and blame-shifting. Javid Gara from the Climate Action Network criticized this divisive tone, noting it hardly fostered the unity required to address a global crisis.

The broader regional context also painted a troubling picture. A Climate Action Network report underscored the vulnerabilities of the Caucasus, where climate change is exacerbating risks like landslides, droughts, and water shortages. While Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan have made progress in cutting emissions, their reliance on fossil fuels and modest renewable energy goals leave them ill-equipped to meet future challenges.

Rising global conflicts have overshadowed the climate crisis

Geopolitical tensions added another layer of complexity. Armenia, embroiled in peace negotiations with Azerbaijan, chose not to send a delegation to Baku. Georgia’s representatives attended but focused more on promoting regional trade than engaging meaningfully in climate discussions. Georgian Economics Minister Levan Davitashvili’s acknowledgment that increased trade would raise emissions only highlighted the region’s lack of green infrastructure. His vague assurances about a “green” trade corridor came across as more aspirational than actionable.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan used COP29 to spotlight trade opportunities while stifling dissent. A report by Crude Accountability exposed how Western investments are bolstering the country’s authoritarian regime, raising serious concerns about its credibility as host of a summit centered on global equity.

For activists, the lack of genuine engagement was particularly demoralizing. Officials largely ignored their input, and public protests were met with indifference. Activists responded with creativity, staging a silent protest by forming a human chain and snapping their fingers to draw attention. While symbolic, this act spoke volumes about the disconnect between decision-makers and the people they claim to represent.

In the end, COP29 wasn’t just a policy failure—it was a failure of imagination. The scaled-back targets, political infighting, and lack of urgency reflect a dangerous complacency. With the planet warming at an alarming rate, how much longer can world leaders afford to delay decisive action?

As we look back on COP29, it’s clear that tackling climate change requires more than ambition; it demands accountability. Governments must stop treating these summits as opportunities for photo ops and start fulfilling their responsibilities as stewards of the Earth. Civil society, activists, and the private sector must keep pushing for transformative change, even when political processes falter. The window to prevent catastrophic climate consequences is rapidly closing. If world leaders fail to act collaboratively and equitably, the burden will fall hardest on the most vulnerable—a moral failing future generations will neither forget nor forgive.

As the dust settles on COP29, one truth remains undeniable: the fight for climate justice cannot wait. From the drying rivers of the Caucasus to the sinking coastlines of the Global South, the consequences of inaction are both immediate and devastating. Whether COP30 in Brazil will deliver the progress the world desperately needs is uncertain—but the stakes have never been higher.