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Urbanisation, Transport, and Tourism Take the Spotlight at COP29 in Baku
November 20, 2024
Progress Amid Frustration on Climate Finance
Day Nine of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, focused on the interconnected themes of urbanisation, transport, and tourism, showcasing a mix of breakthroughs, impassioned pleas, and financial frustrations. Climate finance dominated discussions, with developing nations steadfast in their demand for $1.3 trillion annually to combat climate change, while proposed figures from developed nations fell drastically short. “We are not asking for charity,” asserted Mohamed Adow of Power Shift Africa. “This is about justice.”
The African Group of Negotiators (AGN), led by Marlene Achoki of CARE International, reiterated that finance must come as grants, not loans. “African countries wake up every morning to a crime they did not commit,” she said, underlining the growing debt burden on vulnerable nations. Despite repeated calls for developed countries to honour their historic obligations, no binding commitments on the scale required were forthcoming, leaving many delegates frustrated.
Maldives and the Fight for 1.5°C
The Maldives, a vocal advocate for keeping the 1.5°C target alive, appealed emotionally. Thoriq Ibrahim, the nation’s environment minister, highlighted the existential threat rising sea levels pose to his island nation. “We’re not causing climate change; they [developed nations] did this to us,” he declared, pressing for dedicated annual funding of $39 billion for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Ibrahim remained optimistic, urging global leaders to strive for the 1.5°C target: “Maybe we overshoot it temporarily, but we must, must try.”
OPEC and Fossil Fuels: A Divisive Message
In a surprising turn, the Secretary-General of OPEC, Haitham Al Ghais, defended fossil fuels, calling them “a gift of God.” His remarks, echoing Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s earlier statements, sparked a backlash among campaigners who argue that reducing reliance on fossil fuels is critical to averting climate catastrophe. Climate scientists countered with data showing that oil, gas, and coal emissions must plummet by up to 99% by 2050 to keep global warming in check.
Tourism: A Historic Milestone for Climate Action
For the first time in COP history, tourism took centre stage as a formal agenda item. The First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism underscored the sector’s dual role as a contributor to and victim of climate change. Tourism accounts for 8.8% of global emissions, primarily from transportation and resource-intensive activities. Yet, it was hailed as a unique opportunity to model sustainable practices and foster resilience.
The launch of the Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism was a major highlight, advocating for the inclusion of tourism in national climate strategies and public-private partnerships to drive sustainable change. “This is not just a call to action; it is a commitment to ensuring tourism thrives as a model of resilience, sustainability, and equity for generations to come,” said a participant during closing remarks. The session emphasised the role of tourism in connecting cultures and supporting livelihoods, particularly for small island states and low-lying coastal nations already facing severe climate impacts. Innovative solutions such as leveraging renewable energy and empowering local communities through sustainable tourism practices also gained significant traction.
Urbanisation and Transport Solutions
Baku’s discussions highlighted innovative solutions in urban planning and sustainable transport. Cities are embracing electric vehicles and improved public transit systems to reduce emissions. The private sector’s involvement in green infrastructure received cautious optimism, with comparisons drawn to the telecommunications revolution in developing countries. “If private investment could achieve mobile coverage in remote areas, why not renewable energy and sustainable urban transport?” argued one delegate.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
While financial bottlenecks and political divisions cast shadows over the summit, the determination of vulnerable nations shone through. Activists like Mwanahamisi Singano emphasised the need for gender-responsive climate policies, reminding negotiators that “there will be no climate justice without gender justice.”
As the night deepened, hopes were pinned on new draft texts expected to clarify contentious issues like finance and mitigation. “We’re reaching a point of real emotion here—these talks aren’t just about technicalities, they’re about people’s lives,” said Danni Taaffe of Climate Action International.
POSTED BY: Christopher Nial
