World leaders address climate crisis at COP29 amid growing disasters
Azerbaijan: The 29th UN climate conference (COP29) began with world leaders discussing the devastating effects of climate change and calling for urgent global action. The meeting brought together over two dozen world leaders, many of whom shared firsthand experiences of climate-induced disasters in their countries. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the deadly flooding in his nation, worsened by heavy monsoon rains linked to climate change. He stressed that Pakistan has also faced deadly heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to 47°C (117°F) this year, causing thousands to suffer from heatstroke.
Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis spoke on behalf of vulnerable island nations facing mounting debt from climate-related catastrophes, such as Hurricanes Dorian (2019) and Matthew (2016), despite contributing minimally to global emissions. He, along with other leaders from the Global South, reiterated the need for financial assistance from wealthier nations, especially to help them recover and transition away from fossil fuels.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed the brutal heatwaves that plagued southern Europe this summer, along with water shortages and the destruction of vital ecosystems. The ongoing crisis is exacerbated by years of below-average rainfall. Mitsotakis and other leaders from Italy, Tuvalu, Morocco, Russia, and the Holy See emphasized the importance of international solidarity and action to mitigate climate impacts.
While powerful nations like China, the United States, India, and Indonesia were absent from the event, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a bold new target for reducing emissions, aiming for an 81% reduction by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. This pledge aligns with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The central theme of COP29 is climate finance, focusing on how wealthier nations can help poorer nations cope with the economic and environmental impacts of climate change. Calls for compensation for damage caused by extreme weather events, as well as support for transitioning to greener economies and enhancing climate resilience, dominated discussions. Several African ministers advocated for stronger initiatives to advance green development and bolster resilience to extreme weather events, from floods to droughts, which are increasingly common across the continent.
COP29 marks a critical point in global climate negotiations, as leaders continue to pressure wealthier nations to deliver on promises of financial support, technology transfer, and adaptation assistance. As the effects of climate change become more severe, vulnerable nations urge faster action and more equitable solutions to address the global crisis.