As I reflect on my experience at COP29, I am left with a sense of disappointment and frustration. The conference, which was supposed to be a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change, felt like a missed opportunity for meaningful action.
One of the key agreements reached at COP29 was the commitment to triple finance to developing countries. This is a crucial step in supporting vulnerable nations in their efforts to adapt to climate change and transition to renewable energy.
According to the UNFCCC, this increased funding will help protect lives and livelihoods, and promote sustainable development.
However, not everyone is celebrating this outcome. The Mail & Guardian reports that the R1.3 trillion (approximately $80 billion) pledged to developing countries is being criticized for being insufficient and lacking in transparency. I share these concerns. As someone who has been actively involved in climate activism, I believe that transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring that climate finance is used effectively and efficiently.
Unfortunately, I feel that there is a lack of transparency within the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of many countries. The NDCs are supposed to outline each country’s plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
However, many of these plans lack detail and transparency, making it difficult to track progress and hold countries accountable. I had high hopes for COP29. I attended the conference with a sense of optimism, eager to see world leaders come together to address the climate crisis. However, as the conference progressed, it became clear that the outcome would be far from satisfactory. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to the fight against climate change. I believe that it’s essential for us to continue pushing for greater ambition and action from world leaders.
This outcome is not only a betrayal of the trust placed in world leaders but also a stark reminder of the systemic injustices that perpetuate the climate crisis. As the Sunday Times noted, “The UN’s climate and biodiversity conferences stumble along, with little meaningful progress.”
World leaders have been reacting to the outcome of COP29, and the consensus is that it’s a disappointing and inadequate deal. The negotiations, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, were marked by intense disagreements and a lack of ambition from some countries.
Many leaders felt that the final text was not worth the paper it was written on. The deal has been described as “disastrous”. Some countries, including India and Nigeria, were particularly vocal in their criticism, with one delegate describing the outcome as a “joke”.
As I look back on my experience at COP29, I am reminded of the countless individuals and communities who are already bearing the brunt of climate change. I think of the families who have lost their homes to rising sea levels, the farmers who are struggling to adapt to changing weather patterns, and the indigenous communities who are fighting to protect their ancestral lands.
The outcome of COP29 may be disappointing, but it’s not a reason to give up. I will continue to amplify the voices of those who are most affected by climate change, and I will continue to push for meaningful action from world leaders.
The fight for climate justice is far from over. It’s time for us to regroup, recharge, and refocus our efforts. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to keep pushing for a better future.
by Lisakhanya Mathiso
