26 November 2024

As someone who regularly dives among vibrant coral reefs, I enjoyed being greeted by a cacophony of colors in the underwater world and marveled at the thriving coral reefs, with fish flying past my ears, swirling beyond my line of sight. Over time, however, some colors faded and the crowd of marine animals reduced as news of coral bleaching and firsthand sightings of degraded reefs became more frequent, reminding me that the ecosystems of our world are under siege from climate change. 

Climate change is happening, and it cannot be stopped entirely. We all experience its impact in different ways. The urgency called for global actions, and for decades the world has come together in a call for action through the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference. The first COP (Conference of the Parties) was held in 1995 in Berlin, Germany, following the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The 29th COP just concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan on December 1st, 2024, with nearly 200 nations reaffirming their commitment to tackle the global climate crisis. Beginning on November 25th, the intense negotiations were aimed at building on agreements that will limit the effects of climate change.

Among its key outcomes was an agreement to triple climate finance to $300 billion annually by 2035. This number falls short of the $1.3 trillion per year that experts and developing nations have identified as essential to meet global climate goals. It was estimated that the lack of funds can be mobilized through a mix of public, private, and multilateral sources.

In addition to finance, discussion ensued on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to stay within the global warming threshold of 1.5°C. Significant progress was also made on carbon market rules under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. After nearly a decade of discussion, countries finalized frameworks for trading carbon credits, a mechanism expected to unlock billions of dollars for climate-friendly projects. Challenges remain, particularly regarding the accessibility and equity of climate finance. This system, while still needing refinement, is designed to support developing nations in achieving their emissions reduction targets more effectively and affordably.

The theme of resilience took center stage at COP29, as countries stressed the need to balance immediate adaptation to climate impacts with long-term mitigation efforts. Commitments were made to enhance adaptation funding for projects like early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable development, critical for protecting vulnerable nations’ lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Inclusiveness was also key, with the summit encouraging diverse voices to shape solutions and ensure no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future. While unresolved issues like clear mechanisms to phase out fossil fuels remain, COP29 sustained momentum by laying a foundation for further action, although the path forward remains complex. The summit will continue at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, a meeting already being described as critical for solidifying climate commitments.

Although the summit did not resolve every critical issue, its outcomes reaffirm the importance of inclusive partnerships across sectors and borders, and long-term commitments. We can think of climate action as a marathon, not a sprint – and every step forward matters. Every conversation, pledge, actions – these efforts bring us closer to achieving the resilient, sustainable future that the world urgently needs.

What about us, as individuals? In many cases, the effects of climate change are irreversible and the scale of the issue can feel overwhelming. However, we each have a role in addressing climate change, whether by reducing single-use plastics, switching to renewable energy sources, or inspiring others through community initiatives. Small, consistent actions add up, and by leading through example, we can make a difference. It’s through collective action that the most profound change happens.

References

Carbon Brief. (2024). COP29: Key outcomes agreed at the UN climate talks in Baku. Carbon Brief Clear on Climate Website accessed December 19 2024 https://www.carbonbrief.org/cop29-key-outcomes-agreed-at-the-un-climate-talks-in-baku/

United Nations Climate Change. (2024). COP29 UN Climate Conference Agrees to Triple Finance to Developing Countries, Protecting Lives and Livelihoods. UNFCCC Website accessed December 19 2024 https://unfccc.int/news/cop29-un-climate-conference-agrees-to-triple-finance-to-developing-countries-protecting-lives-and