BAKU, Monday 11 November 2024 — The United Nations COP29 climate summit kicks off today in Baku, Azerbaijan (11-22 November), with negotiations aiming to set a crucial new finance deal and to boost national climate commitments.
This year’s talks are critical as countries must agree on a new climate finance package or New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) — a cornerstone of global cooperation on climate change and a central component of the Paris Agreement’s commitments. Federal Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is co-chairing negotiations to create the new finance goal.
Proceedings this year are set against a backdrop of record-breaking temperatures and a year of catastrophic extreme weather disasters across the world, as data shows 2024 is “virtually certain” to be the first year to breach 1.5 degrees of global heating.
Speaking from Baku, Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: This year’s COP may be the most important in recent years — countries including Australia must increase the quantity and quality of their climate finance pledges, and lock in commitments to transition away from all fossil fuels.
“Delivering an ambitious finance deal in Baku is fundamental to improving the lives of climate-impacted people across the Pacific and Global South, helping our communities adapt to the devastating climate impacts we’re facing, and supporting the burgeoning costs of climate action.
“It is vital that any finance package agreed at COP29 addresses mitigation, adaptation, and importantly, loss and damage. As a major emitter we urge Australia to pay its fair share, but finance alone is not enough.
“If Australia is serious about addressing global emissions, it must stop fanning the flames of the climate crisis. That means an end to the continued expansion of fossil fuel exports, with a clear and decisive plan for how they will be phased out.”
Dr Susie Byers, Head of Advocacy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: After a decade of inertia, Minister Bowen has the opportunity to help broker a new climate finance deal in Baku. A successful outcome would be a significant moment of progress for global climate action, and help build our international reputation as climate leaders leading into COP31.
“It’s also critical that countries including Australia set strong new national climate targets that are 1.5 degree aligned and that include a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.
“Recent reports that global temperatures will break through the 1.5 degree threshold for the first time are a cause for deep unease with Australia facing another angry summer, forecast to be one of the hottest on record.
“There is no scenario where new fossil fuels are compatible with a safe and liveable future for all.”
—ENDS—
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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]
Greenpeace Australia Pacific has spokespeople on the ground in Baku throughout the conference and can provide interviews or commentary from a range of COP delegates, policy experts and Pacific climate leaders.