COP29 is at risk of failure and the potential damage of Trump 2.0 may continue to grow – Science, Climate & Tech News

As the United Nations climate change conference COP29 in Azerbaijan comes to a close, world leaders are now leaving and the real work begins for their negotiators.

The negotiators, exhausted from late-night sessions before the talks even began, are facing the challenge of keeping the global climate talks on track.

They are still reeling from the impact of Donald Trump’s rhetoric on fossil fuels and are wary of the potential difficulties ahead.

The challenges ahead

Negotiators are facing the aftermath of the Trump administration’s attempts to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, and are concerned about potential setbacks in their efforts to combat climate change.

They are also wary of the rise of populist movements globally that share Trump’s views on climate change.

The president of Azerbaijan caused controversy with his remarks referring to his country’s oil wealth as a “gift from God”.

Despite the hostilities, President Aliyev made some valid points about the double standards surrounding climate talks.

He highlighted issues with the US media’s portrayal of Azerbaijan as a petrostate and the EU’s criticism of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas production.

President Aliyev’s remarks shed light on the hypocrisy often seen in climate discussions, but his critics remain unimpressed.

He has been criticized for his authoritarian practices and exploitation of his country’s resources.

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Starmer’s ambitious plan

Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal for a significant reduction in UK carbon emissions has injected some optimism into the climate talks.

It is one of the few commitments from a rich country that aligns with the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement.

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While the UK’s commitment is commendable, there is still a lack of concrete policies to achieve these targets.

Additionally, the absence of a financial commitment from the UK to support global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels is concerning, especially as these talks focus on securing a new finance plan.

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Taliban appeal for help

The presence of a Taliban delegation at COP29, despite not being recognized by the UN, has raised concerns.

They are seeking assistance for Afghanistan, which has been severely impacted by extreme weather events.

The Taliban’s appeal for help highlights the urgent need for international support in addressing climate-related challenges in Afghanistan.