COP29 attendees advocate for climate action, yet focus shifts to bickering.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan aimed to secure a critical deal on climate finance, with wealthy countries pledging $250 billion annually by 2035 to help poorer nations address climate change. Developing countries are seeking $1 trillion a year by the end of the decade. However, disagreements over funding details and the absence of leaders from major economies like the U.S. and China have hindered progress. The conference also saw the participation of Taliban representatives from Afghanistan, highlighting the urgency of climate action for vulnerable nations facing extreme weather impacts. Despite President Donald Trump’s previous withdrawal from climate agreements, U.S. officials have expressed continued commitment to addressing climate change through state, local, and private sector actions. Some experts argue that the current framework of U.N. climate talks may be ineffective, urging for a proactive approach to avoid costly consequences. The funding needed to meet climate goals and support developing countries is estimated to be as high as $8 trillion annually. The debate over who should pay for climate mitigation efforts continues, with tensions rising between developed and developing nations. The conference showcased the challenges of balancing economic development, historical emissions, and environmental protection in the global effort to combat climate change.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com