2024-11-16 08:32:00
BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — The first week of U.N. climate talks drew to a close on Saturday, with negotiators still working out how much rich countries will pay for developing countries to adapt to global warming. Activists, for their part, plan to take action on what is traditionally the biggest day of protest during the two-week summit.
The demonstrations in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku are expected to be repeated in other parts of the world during the global “Day of Action” for climate justice, which has become an annual event.
COP29 negotiators are known to be reviving a long-awaited deal that could generate hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue for the poorest countries. Many countries in the Southern Hemisphere are already suffering the costly effects of climate catastrophes caused by climate change. Experts say $1 trillion or more per year is needed to offset these losses and finance the transition to clean energy, a cost that most countries cannot afford on their own.
COP29 came under criticism from many quarters on Friday. Two former senior U.N. officials signed a letter suggesting the process should move from negotiations to implementation. Others, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, have lamented the growing presence of the fossil fuel industry and countries that rely on it in the conversation. An analysis found that there were at least 1,770 people with ties to the fossil fuel industry on Baku’s attendance list.
Yalchin Rafiyev, the conference’s chief negotiator, acknowledged that talks to reach a deal were moving too slowly but defended himself against criticism.
“The COP process has delivered results so far, reducing projected warming and getting funding to those who need it,” he said. “That’s better than any alternative.”
Progress is likely to get a boost with the arrival of many national ministers, who must ratify negotiators’ deal in the second week.
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Associated Press writer Dorani Pineda in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
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AP’s climate and environment coverage is supported by several private foundations. The Associated Press is solely responsible for all content.
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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What are the key outcomes we should expect from COP29 regarding climate finance and adaptation strategies?
**Interview with Dr. Maya Johnson, Climate Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Johnson. As we approach COP29 in Azerbaijan, there’s a lot of conversation around the significance of this summit, especially in light of the ongoing protests and accusations of ‘greenwashing’ from activists. What are the main issues at stake?
**Dr. Johnson:** Thank you for having me. The stakes are incredibly high at COP29. One of the core issues is the funding for developing countries to adapt to climate change. Wealthier nations have historically been responsible for the majority of emissions, and there is a growing expectation for them to assist those nations that are less equipped to deal with the impacts of climate change. Negotiations around this funding are critical and could determine the outcome for many vulnerable nations.
**Editor:** We’ve seen that activists, including well-known figures like Greta Thunberg, are labeling the conference as a ‘greenwash conference.’ How do you respond to these claims?
**Dr. Johnson:** Activists raise essential points that need to be addressed. There is a valid concern that some activities at these summits may not translate into real actions that combat climate change effectively. Greenwashing can undermine genuine efforts for sustainability and transparency. It’s crucial for negotiators to prioritize actionable solutions and not just symbolic gestures that can give the impression of progress without meaningful change.
**Editor:** What role do the demonstrations and the “Day of Action” play in the context of these negotiations?
**Dr. Johnson:** The demonstrations are vital. They bring attention to the urgency of the climate crisis and hold negotiators accountable. The “Day of Action” amplifies the voices of those most affected by climate change and compels leaders to take the issues seriously. Public pressure can create a significant impact on the negotiations and encourage a sense of urgency among decision-makers.
**Editor:** Lastly, as we look toward the outcomes of COP29, what should we be watching for?
**Dr. Johnson:** Key indicators will include the commitments made around climate finance and adaptation strategies for developing countries, as well as any new initiatives aimed at reducing emissions. Any signs of collaboration among nations, especially between rich and developing countries, will be crucial. Also, keep an eye on how the discussions evolve in response to activist pressures—where the negotiations go from here could redefine global climate policy for years to come.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how COP29 unfolds and the actions that follow.
**Dr. Johnson:** Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a productive dialogue moving forward.