Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Ramp Up Presence at COP29

At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, a staggering 1,773 lobbyists from the fossil fuel industry have gained access to the climate talks, surpassing the number of delegates from all but a few countries, including the host nation. The presence of these lobbyists has raised significant concerns among activists, who argue that their influence undermines efforts for climate justice, particularly for communities adversely affected by climate change. The Kick Big Polluters Out coalition highlights that this year's lobbyist count, although lower than last year's COP28, still represents a troubling trend where corporate interests outweigh the voices advocating for genuine climate solutions. Prominent environmental groups are calling for immediate action to limit the participation of fossil fuel representatives in climate negotiations. Activists emphasize that allowing such access perpetuates a cycle of fossil fuel dependency while hindering meaningful progress towards a sustainable future. As the summit progresses, the call for prioritizing grassroots leaders over corporate lobbyists grows louder, underscoring the need for an urgent shift in climate policy discourse.