BAKU, Sunday 24 November 2024 — The COP29 climate talks have ended in disappointment today, with the most climate-impacted countries exasperated by what is widely seen as a grossly inadequate finance commitment and failure to progress commitments on fossil fuel phase out.
The final finance offer of $US300 billion by 2035 was met with dismay by the most vulnerable nations bearing the brunt of climate catastrophe. A minimum amount to be provided as grants or highly concessional loans – a key ask of the small island states and less developed countries – was not specified, and calls for loss and damage to be included in the new finance goal were knocked back. Stalled progress on fossil fuel mitigation was also denounced.
Speaking from Baku, Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “We are bitterly disappointed by this result. This is an extremely heartbreaking outcome for the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, including Pacific nations, who have fought tooth-and-nail to drive forward ambition on fossil fuel mitigation, and securing the critical finance our communities need.
“We’ve seen a failure of climate leadership as wealthier nations agreed to a bare minimum on the climate finance goal, a wildly insufficient amount that fails to address the accelerating climate destruction impacting millions of people around the world.
“This is a bad faith deal that sees developed countries shirk responsibility to pay up, open up questionable sources of finance, and transfer responsibility to developing countries to pay for climate impacts they did not create.
“But while it feels hopeless, those on the frontlines of the climate crisis do not have the luxury of losing hope — and so we will keep fighting.
“We will take the fight to COP30 in Brazil to ensure the profit-hungry fossil fuel industry pays for the climate destruction it has caused, that major emitters contribute their fair share, and that all countries align their emissions targets with a 1.5C aligned pathway — the only way to ensure a safe and liveable future for our communities.”
Also in Baku Dr Susie Byers, Head of Advocacy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “What the negotiations in Baku have produced is wholly inadequate and a missed opportunity to deliver real progress on the most urgent issues facing us all. But we will persist.
“Climate-affected countries, including in the Pacific, have shown enormous courage and resilience throughout these difficult talks, but among developed countries there’s been a vacuum of such leadership.
“As an aspiring co-host of COP31, alongside the Pacific, Australia has both a responsibility and a strong interest in stepping up. To do that, Australia must present a very ambitious and 1.5C aligned climate plan early next year. Australia must also honour the spirit of the COP28 commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, and replace its exports of coal and gas with renewable energy.
“With more than 1,700 fossil fuel lobbyists walking the halls in Baku this year, we’re relieved that there was no backsliding on climate mitigation, but disappointed that a call to make polluters pay was removed from the text. Perhaps if these rent-seekers are barred from future talks we may see more progress — it’s time for these mega-rich companies to pay for the damage they have caused.
“The Australian government, and all governments here in Baku, represent us and work for us, the community. We will not let them forget their obligations to the people — here in Baku, in Brazil next year, and if the conference comes home to Australia and the Pacific, in 2026.
“We will dust off, and we will regroup on the road to Belem to ensure that major polluters are held accountable, and that the voices and demands of the most climate-impacted nations are centred at COP30 and beyond.”
—ENDS—
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