COP29 Opens Amidst Geopolitical Tensions and Absences

The UN's COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, has begun with key leaders like President Biden and King Charles III notably absent. While the summit's primary focus is on climate finance to support developing nations, discussions are complicated by China's call to address the EU's trade measures related to climate costs, with differing opinions on whether these issues should be handled at the WTO. The re-election of Trump in the US adds another layer of complexity to potential policy changes. On the sidelines, the US-China Subnational Climate Leaders Dialogue highlights regional cooperation despite national tensions. Additionally, China's climate action report underscores its commitment to multilateralism and cooperation with developing countries. Geopolitical tensions, particularly around trade and financial commitments from wealthier to more vulnerable nations, challenge the summit's agenda.