The Top Issues of COP29 Azerbaijan

The top issues of COP29 to be discussed aim to accelerate global climate action and implement the 2015 Paris Agreement goals.

The top issues of COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will address critical issues in the fight against climate change. This high-stakes gathering, November 11 to 22, 2024, will unite world leaders, policymakers, climate experts, and indigenous representatives to negotiate and implement ambitious climate action strategies. Here are the top issues of COP29 that will shape discussions and outcomes:

Climate Finance

Climate finance is one of the top issues of COP29 and is at the forefront of COP29’s agenda. Developed nations have yet to fulfill their commitment to provide $100 billion annually to developing countries for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. This funding shortfall has hindered progress in vulnerable regions and strained international cooperation. Delegates will focus on bridging this gap and establishing robust financial mechanisms to support global climate action.

Discussions will likely center on innovative financing models, including green bonds and climate-focused sovereign wealth funds. Debates on leveraging public funds to attract private capital and creating transparent reporting mechanisms to track climate finance flow and impact are expected.

Loss and Damage Fund

Another of the top issues of COP29 will be the newly established Loss and Damage Fund. This financial instrument supports countries grappling with immediate and long-term climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Negotiations will focus on operationalizing the fund and securing resources for vulnerable nations’ recovery and resilience-building efforts.

Delegates must agree on fund disbursement criteria, governance structures, and funding sources. Debates may arise on whether historical emissions should factor into contribution requirements. The conference will also address rapid and effective fund deployment following climate disasters.

Global Stocktake

A critical component of COP29 is the Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of progress toward Paris Agreement goals. This process will evaluate collective efforts to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, informing future climate policies and highlighting areas needing more aggressive action.

The stocktake will analyze data on emissions reductions, adaptation efforts, and support provided and received. It will consider the latest scientific reports, including those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which will shape the next round of climate commitments and actions.

Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions

Countries will be urged to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining more ambitious targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions and climate resilience measures. These updated plans are crucial for aligning global efforts with Paris Agreement temperature goals.

Discussions will focus on increasing NDC ambition across all sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, and industry. Debates may cover the role of nature-based solutions in NDCs and standardized reporting and verification mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.

Just Transition Strategies

Just transition to a low-carbon economy will be another of the top issues of COP29. Delegates will explore policies to ensure the shift from fossil fuels doesn’t disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and industries. This includes developing worker retraining programs, community support, and economic diversification in carbon-intensive regions.

Discussions may cover social protection measures, skills development programs, and strategies for attracting green investments to affected areas. Debates are likely on ensuring new green jobs provide decent work and fair wages. Social dialogue and stakeholder engagement will be emphasized in planning and implementing just transition strategies.

Carbon Markets Negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

Dealing with carbon markets is expected to be among the most contentious issues of COP29. Finalizing rules for these markets is essential for maintaining integrity and preventing double-counting of emissions reductions. Delegates will work to resolve outstanding issues and establish a robust international carbon trading framework.

Key points include ensuring environmental integrity in carbon trading, avoiding double-counting of emissions reductions, and addressing carried-over credits from the Kyoto Protocol era. Debates on how carbon markets can contribute to overall global emissions mitigation and support sustainable development in host countries may arise.

Ocean Protection

Climate change impacts on oceans will receive significant attention at COP29. Discussions will address ocean acidification, marine ecosystem protection, and blue carbon initiatives. Conservation efforts for mangroves, seagrass meadows, and other coastal habitats will be highlighted as crucial nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation. The oceans carry so much climate change mitigation potential that their management is one of the top issues of COP29.

Delegates may discuss expanding marine protected areas, reducing plastic pollution, and managing fisheries sustainably in the face of climate change. The role of oceans in carbon sequestration and including ocean-based solutions in national climate strategies will likely be key topics.

Youth Engagement

Recognizing young climate activists’ growing influence, COP29 will create platforms for meaningful youth participation in negotiations and policy discussions, reflecting the importance of intergenerational equity in addressing long-term climate challenges.

The conference may explore formalizing youth participation in decision-making processes, supporting youth-led climate initiatives, and enhancing climate education programs. Discussions on ensuring climate policies consider long-term impacts on future generations are expected.

Indigenous Perspectives

Indigenous peoples will play a crucial role in COP29 discussions, bringing unique perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge. Their insights into biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and climate-resilient agriculture will be invaluable in shaping effective climate policies and make it one of the top issues of COP29.

Discussions may focus on integrating Indigenous knowledge into climate policies, protecting Indigenous land rights, and ensuring the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous communities in climate-related decisions affecting their territories. The role of indigenous-led conservation efforts in achieving global climate and biodiversity goals may be highlighted.

Host Country Context

The host country, Azerbaijan, brings its own climate challenges to COP29. The nation faces risks from rising temperatures, including water scarcity, agricultural disruptions, and threats to its Caspian Sea coastline. Azerbaijan’s efforts to diversify from oil and gas and invest in renewable energy sources offer insights for nations managing similar transitions.

The conference may use Azerbaijan’s experiences to spark discussions on how oil-producing countries can diversify their economies and transition to clean energy. The talks may feature issues such as managing water resources in a changing climate and protecting unique ecosystems like the Caspian Sea.

The outcomes of discussions about the top issues of COP29 will shape the global response to climate change for years to come. With the urgency of the climate crisis becoming increasingly apparent, the world will be watching closely to see if nations can deliver meaningful progress on these top issues and chart a course toward a more sustainable and resilient future for all.