UN Climate Talks Stalled in Azerbaijan

During the ongoing COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, negotiators are struggling to reach a consensus on financial aid for developing nations, which seek $1.3 trillion annually to combat climate change. The latest draft agreement proposes $250 billion a year by 2035, a figure criticized by representatives from countries like Panama as grossly inadequate, with some calling it 'crumbs'. Despite a sense of urgency, discussions have revealed deep divisions, with civil society groups urging rejection of the current proposals, stating that no deal would be better than an unsatisfactory one. Prominent figures, including U.S. climate envoy John Podesta, continue to engage in negotiations, with suggestions of a possible increase to $300 billion under certain conditions. The talks have been marked by disappointment among developing nations, who feel their urgent needs are being ignored, while wealthy nations assert that the proposed amounts reflect their economic constraints. The outcome of these negotiations remains critical as the deadline approaches, with the potential consequences of failure impacting millions globally.