Geopolitical turmoil must not be allowed to distract global decision-makers from the urgent imperative of tackling climate change. There is no excuse for letting COP29 conclude without delivering ambitious, credible financing commitments to support climate action – including the clean-energy transition – in developing economies.
To achieve global climate goals, we can no longer ignore the people most exposed to the dire consequences of rising temperatures. As developed countries set new climate-finance targets at COP29, they should also devise more inclusive financial services and products to ensure that resources reach vulnerable communities.
If policymakers can overcome the remaining technological, regulatory, and financial barriers, the COP28 goal of tripling renewable-energy capacity by 2030 will be well within reach – with solar leading the way.
As the world’s biggest climate conference nears in Azerbaijan, observers say little should be expected from a host country that has questionable environmental and human rights credentials. But the talks should not be written off as negotiators work on a deal to compensate climate-vulnerable countries.