COP29: UN Chief urges action on climate commitments

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) has concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, amidst calls for intensified global efforts to combat climate change.

In his closing statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on a year marked by record-breaking temperatures, devastating climate disasters, and the relentless rise in greenhouse gas emissions.

“This has been a brutal year,” Guterres remarked. “An agreement at COP29 was absolutely essential to keep the 1.5-degree limit alive. And countries have delivered, though I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome on both finance and mitigation.”

Finance takes center stage

Guterres highlighted the financial challenges faced by developing nations, many of which are burdened by debt and grappling with the effects of climate disasters. He emphasized the urgency of fulfilling financial commitments made during the summit, noting that these funds are crucial to supporting vulnerable countries in their transition to renewable energy and resilience-building efforts.

“Commitments must quickly become cash,” he stressed. “Developing countries are in desperate need of funds to recover and adapt, and this agreement provides a foundation on which to build.”

Key agreements and progress

Despite the complex negotiations in a geopolitically divided world, COP29 achieved significant milestones, including progress on emissions reductions, energy transition acceleration, and the establishment of agreements on carbon markets. These steps build on the achievements of COP28, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing the climate crisis under the framework of the Paris Agreement.

However, Guterres warned that the hard-won agreements must not be seen as an endpoint. “This agreement must be honored in full and on time. Countries must deliver new, economy-wide national climate action plans – or NDCs – well ahead of COP30, as promised,” he said, calling on G20 nations to take the lead as the world’s largest emitters.

The end of fossil fuels and economic transition

Guterres declared the eventual end of the fossil fuel age as “an economic inevitability” and called for a just transition that accelerates the shift to cheap, clean renewable energy. He also urged nations to embrace the goals of the Pact for the Future, including increasing concessional finance, addressing debt challenges, and strengthening the capacity of multilateral development banks to support climate efforts.

Recognizing efforts and the road ahead

The Secretary-General commended the efforts of COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, the Azerbaijani government, the UNFCCC, and the civil society groups that participated in the summit. “You have shown that multilateralism, centered on the Paris Agreement, can find a path through the most difficult issues,” he said.

In a direct message to youth activists and civil society, Guterres encouraged continued advocacy for ambitious and just climate action. “Keep it up. The United Nations is with you. Our fight continues, and we will never give up,” he concluded.

As COP29 ends, the onus now lies on governments to deliver on their promises and build momentum ahead of COP30, which will serve as the next critical checkpoint in the global fight against climate change