World Climate Summit

In this post I wanted to talk about an event that will be taking place this month and educate those that may not have heard about it or understand specifically what it is- the World Climate Summit. It is something that we should all be knowledgeable about as it is the convention of world leaders to discuss one of the biggest environmental issues facing our time – climate change. The World Climate Summit is an annual forum of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) where members assess ongoing progress and examine additional initiatives imperative to addressing the escalating climate crisis. This year it is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11- November 22, 2024.  It is also referred to as the COP29 since it’s the 29^th convention. 

The UNFCCC was created in 1992 and currently has 198 members. It brings governments together for the purpose of international cooperation and coordinated solutions to address climate change. Since its inception it has negotiated the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015). The Kyoto Protocol is a treaty aimed at reducing the emission of gases that contribute to global warming in accordance with specific targets. It called for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 5.2 percent below 1990 levels over the five-year period from 2008-2012. The Paris Agreement set long term goals for each of its members to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The key components of the agreement are the following: (1) to limit the temperature rise to 1.5C; (2) to assess progress every five years; and (3) to provide financial assistance to developing countries to address and mitigate climate change.     

Through the years this gathering has evolved from a small number of diplomats into one of the world’s largest summits. This year it is estimated that there will be approximately 50,000 attendees, which includes not only representatives from the member countries but thousands of lobbyists as well, including those from the gas and oil industry. Surprisingly, this year’s conference is being hosted in country that relies heavily on the production of fossil fuels. Also interesting to note is that there has been quite the surge in representatives from other heavily dominated fossil fuel producing countries such as Russia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. With so many participants whose goals may not align with the measures essential to slowing global warming, it is vital that enough environmental advocates attend this important event. Who knows – maybe one day I will be an environmental lobbyist at the COP 34! 

Anyway, according to online sources, this year’s focus will be on finance – the trillions of dollars required for countries to address rising global temperatures, and an update on the progress countries have made toward attaining the Paris accord levels. Unfortunately, to date global emissions are still rising and there is little likelihood that the levels of the Paris landmark agreement will be met. So, what does that mean for you and me? Well, that means that each one of us needs to not only work harder to advocate for more stringent rules and regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions, but we must also make sure that we each do our part. Because If everyone plays a part, then it is definitely a start.  

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