COP29 in Baku Faces Criticism and Stalemate

The COP29 Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is facing severe criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness and growing influence from fossil fuel interests, as over 1,700 lobbyists and executives from the industry attended the event. An open letter from prominent climate figures has called for urgent COP reform, stating that the current process cannot deliver necessary changes to combat climate change effectively. World leaders' absence, including key figures like U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, has raised doubts about the seriousness of commitments to climate action. Meanwhile, negotiations on climate finance have stalled, with wealthier nations hesitant to meet the proposed $1.3 trillion goal to support developing countries. Activists and representatives express frustration over bureaucratic delays, fearing that discussions are losing momentum in favor of fossil fuel interests. As Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev proclaimed oil and gas as a 'gift of God,' critics argue that the fossil fuel industry's dominance at COP29 undermines the conference's original purpose.