THE 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) has commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering global leaders for what could be a decisive moment in the fight against climate change.

The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat, Simon Stiell, opened the event with a powerful call for unity, emphasizing the urgent need for nations to align on an ambitious global climate finance target. 

With climate change impacts intensifying, Stiell stressed that time is running out, and decisive collaboration is required. "Agreeing to a new global climate finance goal is imperative," he stated. He warned that if cooperation lags, up to two-thirds of countries may be unable to curb emissions at the necessary pace to prevent catastrophic impacts on ecosystems, economies, and communities.

Central to this year’s discussions is the challenge of bridging the gap between developed and developing nations in their responsibilities and capacities for tackling climate change. Industrialized nations bear the historical burden of contributing the most to global greenhouse gas emissions. 

For instance, developed countries contribute about 80% of the world’s carbon emissions, primarily due to a long legacy of industrialization, while developing nations produce far less, even as they disproportionately suffer from the impacts. 

As a result, climate finance and equitable responsibility remain contentious topics, especially as developed countries have yet to fulfill their promise of delivering $100 billion annually to help vulnerable countries adapt to climate change.

Among the countries making strides in climate action is Tanzania, a nation that has prioritized environmental conservation under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership. Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango, representing Tanzania at COP29, is expected to present ambitious proposals that highlight the country’s dedication to sustainability and climate resilience. 

Since taking office, President Hassan has shown a firm commitment to tackling environmental issues, with numerous initiatives promoting clean energy, public transportation, and integrated waste management. Her government has invested heavily in educating Tanzanians about the importance of protecting natural resources and has actively encouraged the public to plant trees and conserve forests.

One of Tanzania's flagship projects at COP29 is its clean cooking initiative, an effort to address not only environmental concerns but also public health. Many Tanzanian women, like millions across Africa, rely on traditional energy sources such as charcoal and wood for cooking. 

This practice contributes to deforestation and exposes users to harmful pollutants, increasing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which was the third leading cause of death globally in 2019.

 To tackle this issue, President Hassan launched the African Women Clean Cooking Support Programme, a continent-wide initiative aimed at promoting clean energy for cooking. The project has garnered international attention for its dual benefits of reducing carbon emissions and improving health outcomes.

In addition, Tanzania’s COP29 agenda includes proposals for an expansion of Dar es Salaam’s rapid bus transit system, designed to reduce urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The country is also promoting flood-resilience projects to protect vulnerable areas and an integrated waste management program to lower emissions from waste decomposition. 

These projects reflect Tanzania’s dedication to sustainable development and align with President Hassan’s inclusive approach, which emphasizes the involvement of all age groups in environmental initiatives, particularly through tree-planting campaigns.

Simon Stiell’s keynote address underscored the need for comprehensive reform in the global financial system to address climate change effectively. He argued that climate finance must be viewed not as a charitable endeavor but as a necessary investment in global stability. 

"An ambitious new climate finance goal is in the self-interest of every nation, including the wealthiest," Stiell said, stressing that no country is immune from the economic disruptions that unchecked climate change could bring. 

He pointed to the need for fiscal space for developing nations, which are often constrained by debt and limited access to affordable financing options. For these countries, financial assistance is critical to building the infrastructure necessary for climate resilience and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources.

A central theme of COP29 is the finalization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which aims to operationalize international carbon markets. These markets are intended to provide financial incentives for countries to reduce emissions and support sustainable practices by allowing nations to trade emission reductions.

 The successful implementation of Article 6 could unlock billions in funding for climate action, yet disagreements over its details have stalled progress. Stiell emphasized that resolving these issues is essential if the world hopes to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold scientists believe is crucial for avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

The Kyoto Protocol, established in 1997, was the first legally binding international climate treaty, requiring developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. However, it faced challenges, particularly with major emitters like the U.S. opting out due to concerns over economic competitiveness and the lack of commitments from developing nations. 

This led to criticisms of the protocol’s effectiveness and shifted focus to the Paris Agreement, which allows more voluntary contributions from countries. Under the Paris Agreement, nations submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to cut emissions and adapt to climate change, but developed nations have been slow to meet their financial commitments, frustrating developing countries.

U.S. politics, especially under President Trump, has significantly impacted the global climate response. Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and focus on fossil fuels caused setbacks in global emission reduction efforts. Despite this, public support for climate action remains strong, particularly among younger Americans, who are increasingly concerned about the severity of climate change.

Despite Trump’s stance, the global momentum toward clean energy continued. Investment in renewables has surged, with clean energy investments reaching an estimated $2 trillion in 2024, nearly double the investment in fossil fuels. 

The trend reflects an ongoing shift driven by market forces, technological advancements, and public demand for sustainable solutions. This transition is expected to persist regardless of U.S. leadership, as other nations, particularly in Europe and Asia, continue to prioritize clean energy.

At COP29, Stiell emphasized that the global economy’s resilience is tied to climate action, stating that "if nations cannot build resilience into their supply chains, the global economy will be at risk."

To that end, the UNFCCC will launch a Climate Plan Campaign in 2025 to assist countries in developing and submitting the third generation of NDCs. The initiative will align with other UN efforts and is expected to support developing nations in setting and tracking adaptation targets—a key area of focus as climate impacts intensify.

Stiell also highlighted the importance of transparency in climate action, pointing to Biennial Transparency Reports, which will provide insights into global progress and identify areas where additional support is needed. 

"You can’t manage what you don’t measure," he noted, underlining the need for accurate data to guide effective climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Executive Secretary stressed that adaptation is as critical as mitigation, with the upcoming reports expected to shed light on whether countries are on track to improve their resilience.

Despite the challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism as COP29 unfolds. The shift toward clean energy and resilience has gained unstoppable momentum, as evidenced by record-breaking investments and growing public awareness. This trend suggests that climate action is increasingly viewed as essential to both environmental sustainability and economic stability.

Stiell concluded his address with a powerful message: "COP29 must not conclude without a substantial outcome. We need all parties to demonstrate determination and push for agreements from day one." He urged leaders to rise to the occasion, showing that global cooperation remains robust and capable of addressing the climate crisis.

As the conference progresses, the world will be watching closely to see whether countries can overcome long-standing divisions and make meaningful commitments. COP29 represents not only an opportunity to advance climate justice but also a crucial moment to secure a sustainable future for generations to come. The stakes have never been higher, and the need for immediate, collaborative action has never been clearer.