Given the current global turmoil, from the U.S. edging towards authoritarianism to ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine, it’s easy to overlook the significance of what’s unfolding this week in Baku, Azerbaijan.
World leaders have come together for the United Nations climate summit, known as COP29, to tackle one of the most critical challenges: reinforcing and advancing each nation’s pledge to curb fossil fuel usage to shield humanity from an escalating threat.
Now is not the moment to lose sight of these crucial commitments and the urgency they entail.
This year’s discussions are intensely focused on mobilizing up to $1 trillion annually to aid developing and vulnerable countries, which have contributed minimally to global pollution yet suffer the most. Predictably, wealthier nations, bearing the lion’s share of responsibility due to higher greenhouse gas emissions, are reluctant to increase their financial contributions.
As the conference wound down, the U.N.’s climate chief urged negotiators to stop wasting time with stalling tactics. Even if they reach a robust agreement, there’s no guarantee it won’t be reversed or watered down later. Last year’s conference heralded the first call to “transition away” from fossil fuels, yet meaningful progress remains elusive.
The backdrop of this year’s talks isn’t exactly heartening, held in a petrostate for the third consecutive time and surrounded by fossil fuel lobbyists. The host nation plans to escalate fossil fuel production, with its president labeling oil and gas as a “gift of God.” Concurrently, some countries and corporations seem to be backpedaling on their climate promises.
Compounding the issue, the upcoming leader of the world’s largest historical carbon emitter, Donald Trump, has a track record of denouncing climate science and clean energy. His intended cabinet picks include individuals who have misrepresented climate realities, such as Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright, who downplays the existence of a climate crisis and dismisses the clean versus dirty energy debate outright.
Despite the seemingly constant barrage of challenges, the laws of physics dictate that we can’t ignore the reality of global warming, nor can we afford further procrastination in ceasing fossil fuel combustion. Procedural, political, or financial reasons for delay become meaningless as long as greenhouse gases are pumped into the atmosphere, threatening our way of life.
This year is already projected to be the hottest in history, with global carbon emissions set to rise by another 0.8%, reaching unprecedented levels. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres aptly described 2024 as a “master class in climate destruction.”
Earth has warmed 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit since preindustrial times and seems on track for a total increase of 4.7 to 5.6 degrees. This trajectory promises more lethal heat waves, storms, floods, and droughts unless we swiftly and significantly cut emissions.
Is there reason to be hopeful? Absolutely. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly expanding, and last year renewables like wind and solar generated 30% of global energy—a figure that’s expected to rise this year. We are witnessing an early phase of a transformative energy shift, moving away from the outdated, fossil-fueled economy. As Guterres proclaimed, “The clean energy revolution is here. No group, no business and no government can stop it.”
However, world leaders must act swiftly and with resolve to speed up this transition. Renewable energy must continue its dramatic growth to outstrip the increasing electricity demand from carbon-free vehicles and appliances.
Political setbacks and missed targets can indeed be dispiriting, especially in the face of such a grave threat. Yet, we must persevere. Each ton of pollution and fraction of a degree of warming we prevent will lessen human suffering and ecological harm. By acting decisively, we can avoid resigning ourselves to the bleakest possible future.
