World Leaders Discuss Climate Action at COP29

At the UN climate conference in Baku, leaders from small island nations highlighted their struggles with climate change, emphasizing that the impacts are global and not limited to vulnerable countries. Grenada's prime minister described a recent 15-month drought followed by a devastating hurricane, while Antigua and Barbuda's leader criticized high-emission countries for their lack of accountability. Concurrently, the Africa Business Leaders Coalition presented a report at COP29 showcasing Africa's private sector commitment to climate action, with $4.8 billion dedicated to initiatives and a rise in renewable energy usage. Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy stressed the need for inclusivity and justice in climate efforts, indicating a shift towards cooperative international strategies. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the potential rollback of climate policies under a future Trump administration, as outlined in the controversial Project 2025. The upcoming ACUNS Annual Conference will address the interconnected crises of climate change, nature loss, and pollution, emphasizing the importance of multilateral agreements and social justice.