What have we learnt from COP29
As the curtain falls on COP29, the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, the global community is left to reflect on its outcomes. Set against the backdrop of intensifying climate crises, the conference held in Baku, was anticipated to be a turning point. But now that it’s over, what have we truly learnt, and what does it mean for our collective future?
- The Importance of Global Solidarity
One of the clearest takeaways from COP29 is the renewed emphasis on global cooperation. With the Global South bearing the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the least to emissions, calls for equity and justice dominated discussions. Developed nations made commitments to bolster climate financing, including scaling up the much-debated Loss and Damage Fund introduced at COP27. While these pledges are welcome, the urgency lies in translating them into tangible, timely action.
- Mitigation: Still a Work in Progress
A key goal of COP29 was to accelerate mitigation efforts to keep global warming within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to phasing out unabated fossil fuels, yet disagreements over timelines and implementation mechanisms revealed lingering fractures. Some nations, particularly those heavily reliant on fossil fuels, pushed back against rapid phase-out proposals, highlighting the tension between economic development and climate goals.
Encouragingly, several countries unveiled ambitious renewable energy plans, signaling a shift toward decarbonization. Yet, the overall pace of transition remains slower than what scientists say is needed to avoid catastrophic warming.
- Adaptation Gains Ground
Unlike previous COPs, where mitigation often overshadowed adaptation, COP29 placed greater focus on helping vulnerable nations build resilience. A record amount of funding was pledged for adaptation projects, including infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, improved water management systems, and climate-resilient agriculture. This reflects a growing recognition that adaptation is no longer optional but essential to survival.
- The Role of Non-State Actors
One of the most notable developments was the increasing role of non-state actors—businesses, cities, and civil society—in driving climate action. Many corporations presented net-zero plans aligned with science-based targets, and grassroots organizations amplified the voices of indigenous communities and youth. These actors are proving that climate leadership isn’t confined to government halls but thrives at all levels of society.
- A Frustrating Gap Between Words and Action
Despite the progress made, COP29 also underscored the persistent gap between promises and implementation. Many agreements remain vague, with unclear pathways for enforcement or accountability. Climate activists criticized the conference for falling short of the transformational change needed to avert disaster, branding it as more of the same “blah, blah, blah.” The sense of urgency expressed by scientists and the lived experiences of those on the frontlines were not always mirrored in the outcomes.
- The Science Is Non-Negotiable
Perhaps the most sobering lesson from COP29 is that science continues to dictate the urgency of action. The latest reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) were a stark reminder that the world is running out of time to act decisively. The global carbon budget is rapidly depleting, and incremental changes are no longer sufficient.
In the end, the legacy of COP29 will depend on how quickly and decisively the global community acts. The lessons are clear: global solidarity, ambitious mitigation, robust adaptation, and accountability are non-negotiable. The stakes have never been higher, and neither has the potential for transformative change.
The world’s leaders must now turn rhetoric into reality—for the future of the planet and generations yet to come.
