Experts Call for Reform at COP29 Talks

At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, influential climate policy experts, including Ban Ki-moon and Christiana Figueres, have criticized the current format of UN climate summits, stating they are 'no longer fit for purpose' and calling for stricter rules on fossil fuel lobbying and more frequent meetings. They emphasize the need for host countries to demonstrate genuine support for climate action, especially given Azerbaijan's status as a major fossil fuel producer. Concurrently, global climate activists took over the Olympic stadium in Baku, demanding robust climate finance commitments, with calls to increase annual funding from $100 billion to at least $1 trillion to support vulnerable nations. Discussions at COP29 are particularly significant as they occur amidst shifting political landscapes, notably with the election of a new US president potentially altering the approach to climate issues. The conference is seen as critical, with a focus on securing financial commitments necessary for effective climate action, as highlighted by experts and activists alike. The backdrop of COP29 raises questions about the integrity of climate negotiations when hosted by fossil fuel-rich nations, complicating efforts for genuine progress.