COP29 President: “We are on a road to ruin.”
In his opening remarks as COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev of Azerbaijan stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, citing that current policies could lead to 3°C of global warming—levels that he described as catastrophic. He stressed that climate impacts are already being felt globally, from flooding in Spain to wildfires in Australia, and underscored the need for more than just compassion or hopeful promises.
He warned, “We are on a road to ruin,” adding, “People are suffering in the shadows; they are dying in the dark,” so “we need much more from all of you.”
The COP29 presidency is built on two central pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action. Babayev outlined Azerbaijan’s commitment to securing a fair, ambitious climate finance goal, emphasising that developed countries must provide substantial financial support to address the pressing needs of developing countries, particularly small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
Babayev also highlighted critical areas for action at COP29, including operationalising Article 6 on carbon markets, increasing adaptation finance, and advancing technology transfer. He pointed to the need for robust Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and adaptation plans, which are essential for achieving the global climate goals.
Babayev called for collective commitment and reminded delegates of the world’s anticipation for decisive action. He urged them to move forward in solidarity, reinforcing that every action and every fraction of a degree matters in the fight against climate change.
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