Another UN climate change conference is in the books. COP29 has closed its doors and, despite the notable lack of major world leaders in attendance, there is an agreement we can report on. Under the deal hashed out in the early hours of Sunday morning, developing countries will receive $1.3tn (£1.04tn) per year in funding to shift to a low-carbon economy and fight the climate crisis by 2035.
That sounds like a win but, as campaigners have been quick to point out, only $300bn (£239bn) of that figure will come in the form of grants and low-interest loans from higher-income countries. The shortfall will theoretically be made up by private investment. Many large economies claimed they were unable to offer more money to help those most at risk of the effects of the climate crisis. Carbon Brief has a more detailed description of everything COP29 had to offer.
Here at Voice, we decided to assemble a panel of different voices to react to COP29 and its unusual status in the global news cycle, overshadowed as it was by the surprising result of the US Election. We've spoken to scientists, activists, and young people to take the temperature of how everybody feels in the wake of a very unusual COP event.
"Well, the reaction has been mixed, to say the least. Delegates of developing countries are dismayed that COP29 failed to secure the long-term financial commitments necessary for rapid and equitable transition to alternative sources of energy production. That said, it is perhaps pleasing that any deal at all could be agreed amid the exasperation of a poorly managed process and widespread discontent.
A burning question from my perspective is: where does COP go from here? The was a strong sentiment throughout the developing world even before this year's summit in Baku, that the process was no longer fit for purpose. The world continues to warm (2024 is likely to be the hottest on record), greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and promises of net zero by 2050 seem increasingly unrealistic. My primary source of encouragement is that the voices of those most deeply impacted are becoming impossible for the rest of the world to ignore."
Dr Jonathan Eden is an associate professor in climate and environmental change at Coventry University
"COPs have been convening for nearly three decades, each one hailed as a 'historic breakthrough' or a 'milestone in climate action'. Yet, the only real breakthrough has been the grim realisation that the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target is now all but unattainable. According to the latest UNEP report, we’re currently on course for a devastating global temperature rise of 2.6°C to 3.1°C by the end of the century. Although the conference is intended as a symbol of hope, it can be challenging to ignore the hypocrisy and logistical footprint of flying thousands of participants worldwide — a point of contention in itself. However, as frustrating as it may feel, some dialogue is better than silence.
While mitigation efforts remain critical, we must also shift focus to adapting and preparing for its inevitable impacts. Technological innovations such as carbon capture, AI-driven climate modelling, and renewable energy breakthroughs should be focused on. Walking blindly into this future is no longer an option. We urgently need actionable, meaningful solutions — not just ambitious rhetoric or empty milestones. The question is, will COP29 be remembered as another missed opportunity, or will it finally spark the transformational change we so desperately need?"
Elle Farrell-Kingsley is a tech journalist and presenter, advisor, and researcher
"The UK delegation, led by Ed Miliband, deserves credit for playing a productive role. In terms of climate leadership, we’re light years away from where we were with last year’s gathering in Dubai. But these latest international talks failed to solve the question of climate finance. Instead they have again kicked the can down the road. Developing countries are being hammered by climate extremes now, predominantly fuelled by the current and historic polluting activities of rich nations, like the UK. The problem of how to provide the trillions needed to support the countries being hardest hit by a crisis they’re least responsible for remains. Without this investment, which must be unlocked by wealthy countries stepping up to do their fair share, there can be no climate justice.
Although the UK government is now talking the talk on climate, it is clear that there is still much to be done to ensure they are walking the walk. This means getting the UK’s climate targets back on track, including its current commitment to cut emissions by more than two-thirds by 2030. A plan that sets out how our targets will be met, ensuring we all benefit from the new green jobs, lower bills and economic boost that a fair transition to a zero-carbon future will bring, is absolutely vital."
Mike Childs is the head of science, policy, and research at Friends of the Earth
"My take is that there is a moral and ethical element missing. Without appealing to decision maker's notions of right and wrong, good and bad, they will continue to stick to their own and what they perceive to be their nations' best interests, measured entirely in monetary terms. I don't think this has always been the case. The framework convention, and the Paris Agreement, were framed with some sense of common cause and obligations to act in line with differing capabilities. Since then there has been a decline, and the consecutive hosting by three oil states has left the idea of solidarity in tatters.
But it does not have to be like this. COP is the only global forum where small, poor and most vulnerable countries get an equal say in how the world responds to the crisis. It is also a place where children and youth are given the right to attend and a recognised platform. If the moral question is to make its play, then this is the place for the young to look the powerful in the eye and ask: Are you really going to let this happen? Interclass, intergenerational, international, we must do this together."
Jamie Williams/Mohamed Ali Noor has been working on responses to the climate crisis for eight years and is a senior policy advisor with Islamic Relief Worldwide
"COP29 seemed to be one hell of a heart-stopper. Businesses in the field are being asked to be more transparent and it's only right we are able to identify the largest contributors to our emissions. But it's not only businesses that received a wake-up call. It's time to improve your lifestyle and contribute to the social benefit of sustainable thinking, habits, and choices on the road to a collective global footprint decarbonisation.
However, one aspect of the discussions that seems to still leave people puzzled is climate finance and the mobilisation of cash to less-developed countries. More than 80% of climate finance is owned by government and private sectors who see these countries as a high risk for investment.
But key positive takeaways include a focus on women in leadership, encouraging public consciousnesses and active engagement in climate action, improving efficiency in infrastructure and design to improve energy consumption, and regular corporate tracking of metrics in sectors such as real waste and product-based services."
Andrietta Simbi is a current Voice Contributor
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