At a crucial juncture in the global climate crisis, the COP29 meeting was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The world watched as leaders gathered to set a direction for the future amid record-breaking temperatures and growing proof of the disastrous effects of climate inaction. The summit’s emphasis on “cooling the planet” through renewable energy and equity promises media attention, but the results fell far short of expectations. Many are wondering whether COP29 actually produced progress or if it was just a repackaging of previous pledges in new language due to a combination of audacious declarations, ambiguous commitments, and conspicuous omissions.

Cooling the Planet: Lofty Goals, Weak Foundations

The reaffirmation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which intends to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), was the main accomplishment of COP29. Reducing these powerful greenhouse gasses, which are mostly utilized in air conditioning and refrigeration, might prevent global warming by up to 0.5°C by the year 2100.
Furthermore, the “Global Cooling Pledge” became a signature project, promoting fair access for disadvantaged groups and energy-efficient cooling systems. Theoretically, these actions address adaptation and mitigation objectives, which is a crucial nexus for climate action.
However, the pledge is devoid of legally enforceable obligations and a well-defined funding source to facilitate its execution. There are major obstacles in the Global South, where having access to cooling is both a health and economic requirement. For example, Pakistan is facing more severe heat waves, yet these promises run the risk of being unaffordable for the most vulnerable without significant international assistance.

Climate Finance: The Elephant in the Room

Discussions at COP29 were once again dominated by climate financing, but the results were disappointing. Although it sounds ambitious on paper, the $250 billion yearly objective for poor countries by 2035 lacks the urgency needed to solve the growing difficulties they face. Pakistan fervently argued for the quick distribution of monies for loss and damage because it generates less than 1% of global emissions but is disproportionately affected by climate change.
The absence of legally binding deadlines and accountability procedures, according to critics, erodes the confidence required for cooperative international action. Simplifying financial access was mentioned, but for many countries affected by climate-related disasters, such measures are still a way off.

Fossil Fuel Phase-Out: A Missed Opportunity

The inaction on fossil fuels at COP29 was arguably its most controversial failure. The conference produced little more than a restatement of previous pledges to gradually reduce the use of fossil fuels, despite urgent appeals from scientists and environmentalists. Although the “Global Renewable Energy Alliance” announcement seemed encouraging, many have been underwhelmed by its ambiguous framework and absence of enforcement mechanisms.
At the conference, more than 1,700 fossil industry lobbyists added gasoline to the flames, both literally and figuratively. They had a noticeable impact, diluting the importance of talks about phase-outs of coal, oil, and gas. A notable omission in a meeting ostensibly devoted to climate action is the lack of a set deadline for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Equity and Justice: Words Without Action

Equity was a recurrent subject during COP29, and the term “just transition” was used frequently. Although appeals for inclusive climate action were echoed by this language, the actual policies put out frequently felt theatrical. For example, the cooling pledge states that the Global South needs sustainable cooling solutions, but it does little to address the systemic injustices that keep these solutions from being implemented.
Furthermore, the summit’s inability to fully embrace the ideals of climate justice was underscored by the absence of focused support for women, underprivileged groups, and indigenous people. Equity is a hollow promise in the absence of tangible financing and policies.

What COP29 Got Right—and Wrong

Even though COP29 produced some noteworthy successes, such as more resolute pledges to phase out HFCs and the establishment of partnerships for renewable energy, the summit mostly fell short of the revolutionary measures needed to address the climate issue. The results show a concerning trend: audacious statements devoid of the legally binding promises, financial resources, and timetables required to have a real impact.
A change from promises to action is necessary for the future. Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of UNEP, correctly noted that “The science is clear: we must act faster, with greater ambition and solidarity.” If COP29 is any indicator, the world has not yet completely realized the severity of the task at hand, and the opportunity for effective action is rapidly closing.

The Road to COP30

The stakes have never been higher as the world prepares for COP30. The COP29 results serve as as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. In order to genuinely “cool the planet,” leaders need to embrace a future characterized by responsibility, cooperation, and audacious action rather than just making hollow promises.

References

• BRI & Azerbaijan’s COP29 – Pakistan Observer
• Cooling the Planet: COP29 affirms global climate action