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Global Leaders Call for Urgent Action Amid Stark Climate Realities at COP29 Day Three
November 14, 2024
Global Leaders Call for Urgent Action Amid Stark Climate Realities at COP29 Day Three
Day Three of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, brought a wave of high-stakes discussions and passionate appeals from global leaders, whose messages were unified by the urgent call for decisive action on climate finance and emission reductions. As the world grapples with record-breaking fossil fuel emissions and the severe impacts of climate change, the voices of those from vulnerable nations echoed powerfully through the summit. Each speaker underscored the grim reality facing their countries and communities, pleading for tangible outcomes, not just lofty promises.
A Challenging Backdrop
As the Global Carbon Budget report revealed fossil fuel emissions would reach new highs in 2024, Professor Pierre Friedlingstein from the University of Exeter painted a grim picture: “The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly dramatic, yet we still see no sign that burning of fossil fuels has peaked.” The report underscored an alarming gap between COP28’s pledge to transition away from fossil fuels and the actual, ongoing rise in emissions. This revelation set a sombre tone for the summit, urging leaders to translate commitments into action to meet the target of a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Small Island States Demand Justice
The stark injustice faced by small island states stood out among the day’s discussions. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne gave a powerful address, stressing that for nations like his, “climate change is no longer a warning, but a daily, devastating reality.” He passionately advocated for financial justice, highlighting that the promises from wealthier nations have too often remained unfulfilled, leaving vulnerable countries in the lurch. Browne called for an effective climate finance system that relies on grants rather than loans, stating, “To those who bear the greatest responsibility, I say this: the time for moral responsibility is now – justice demands promises are enforced.”
Global Financial Support in the Spotlight
The financial debate took centre stage as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, representing the Vatican, pointed to the trillion-dollar requirement for climate resilience in developing nations. He insisted that any loans for climate action should not deepen the financial struggles of these nations: “Ecological debt and environmental debt are two sides of the same coin.” This theme was echoed by Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, who led a coalition of 25 nations in demanding swift climate action, emphasising that “too much is at stake for anything other than a race to the top.”
Voices from Vulnerable Nations
For leaders from vulnerable countries, the frustration with international inaction was palpable. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, drew from the painful experience of his country’s catastrophic floods in 2022. He emphasised, “Without climate justice, there can be no real resilience,” calling for more grants to help nations adapt without sinking into further debt. Similarly, Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, underscored the precarious reality of climate impacts, describing his nation’s battle with extreme weather as “one planet… it may be small islands today, but it will be Spain tomorrow and Florida the next day.”
Iran Highlights Sanctions’ Impact on Climate Progress
Iranian Vice President Shina Ansari Hamedani brought a unique perspective, linking international sanctions to environmental progress. She argued that these restrictions hampered Iran’s ability to finance a green economy, including nuclear power development. In her passionate address, Hamedani described the sanctions as “unjustified and irrational” and concluded with an appeal for global unity: “Our shared environment is a common bond.” Her speech highlighted the nuanced intersection of geopolitics and climate policy, an angle less frequently acknowledged at COP summits.
Diverse Approaches to Energy Transitions
Energy policy was a recurrent theme as Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, made a noteworthy, if somewhat unconventional, entrance—arriving late to her speaking slot. Acknowledging the energy demands of an expanding global population, she championed a multi-faceted approach that includes renewables, biofuels, and carbon capture. However, climate experts agree that all fossil fuels must eventually be phased out. She invoked a personal note: “As a mother, nothing gives me more satisfaction than when I work for policies that will enable my daughter and her generation to live in a better world.”
On a related note, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala focused on nuclear power, presenting it as an essential tool in the sustainability arsenal, stating, “I strongly believe nuclear power is needed to meet sustainability goals.” Czechia’s extensive experience with nuclear technology, Fiala argued, could be an asset for other countries aiming for clean energy solutions. However, nuclear energy remains contentious due to its high cost and lengthy build times, which critics argue make it less viable than faster-deployable renewables.
UN Secretary-General Calls for Accountability
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, addressed the assembled leaders with a forceful reminder of their responsibility, particularly toward the vulnerable island states that face existential threats. He acknowledged their “ambitious climate pledges” and urged wealthier nations to adopt the same urgency, saying, “You are on the sharp end of a colossal injustice… you are the first responders.” Guterres encouraged the finalisation of a loss and damage fund and called for increased funding to support adaptation and mitigation efforts, a key priority for island nations like the Bahamas.
Youth Delegates Reflect on the Summit’s Tensions
Amidst the official speeches, youth delegates’ voices highlighted the challenges and hopes surrounding COP29. Sigrid Karl, an Austrian youth delegate, shared her mixed feelings of overwhelm and determination, saying, “Even though it’s difficult sometimes, there are so many people here trying to fight.” She acknowledged that young people are often encouraged to participate but rarely hold decision-making power: “It’s not young people that can take these political positions.” Her words underscored the need for structural change to back the youth’s enthusiastic yet limited agency in global climate action.
Day Three of COP29 underscored the high stakes of climate action through impassioned speeches, calls for justice, and pledges for greater financial support. While leaders grappled with stark scientific findings and the looming consequences of insufficient progress, diverse voices—ranging from the leaders of vulnerable nations to youth activists—expressed hope and frustration. As the summit unfolds, the world watches, hoping that the commitments and coalitions formed here in Baku will finally translate into the bold, transformative actions needed to address the climate emergency.
POSTED BY: Chris Nial
