popular articles

COP29: Climate Promises Under Tension, Developing Countries Demand More

In Baku, wealthy nations pledge $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist vulnerable nations facing climate challenges. A promise deemed insufficient amid diplomatic tensions and an urgent climate crisis.

Please share:

The COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a new chapter in international climate negotiations. While expectations were high, especially from developing countries, the final agreement sparked a wave of criticism. The promise of an annual $300 billion by 2035, although ambitious on paper, is seen as inadequate to address the climate emergency.

**A Legacy of Broken Promises**

This financial commitment follows a pledge made during COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009, where wealthy nations promised to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020. However, this threshold has only recently been partially met, fueling mistrust among developing countries. These nations are now demanding guarantees that new commitments will be honored and scaled to the growing climate challenges.

Ali Mohamed, representing the African Group, denounced the funding as “too little, too late, and too vague,” while Chandni Raina, an Indian representative, labeled the amount as “pathetically insufficient.” These criticisms reflect a sentiment widely shared among the most vulnerable states, particularly small island nations facing accelerated sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Barriers to Energy Transition

One of the key issues discussed during this COP was the energy transition. While developing countries demand financial resources to adopt low-carbon energy, wealthy nations remain divided on how to fund this transition. The slow progress in discussions on phasing out fossil fuels also drew criticism.

A text aimed at strengthening commitments to abandon oil, coal, and gas failed to gain approval. For Marina Silva, Brazil’s Environment Minister, this stalemate reflects a persistent divide between major industrial powers and developing nations.

Allegations of proximity between Azerbaijan, the host of COP29, and fossil fuel-producing nations further complicated negotiations. Diplomatic tensions, particularly with European delegations, marked the conference’s final hours.

The Weight of Diplomatic Tensions

The organization of COP29 in Baku, seen as a prestige project for Azerbaijan, was marred by controversies. The arrest of environmental activists, political tensions with France, and allegations of harassment against U.S. parliamentarians cast a shadow over the event.

These incidents highlighted the challenges of hosting a conference of this scale in a country accused of collusion with oil interests. Germany, for instance, criticized the lack of impartiality in the discussions. Several delegations even walked out of a meeting in protest.

An Uncertain Future for Climate Financing

The $300 billion pledged will need to be mobilized in a context of fiscal tightening and competing priorities for donor countries. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the agreement as a “new era” of climate cooperation while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

According to NGOs like the Climate Action Network (CAN), this financial commitment, although significant, still falls far short of estimated needs. Experts argue that effective climate action would require funding levels to reach $1 trillion annually.

Toward a Decisive COP30

With COP30 scheduled in Brazil, expectations are turning toward a revival of global climate ambitions. Brazil, under the leadership of Lula da Silva, has pledged to make the event a key step in strengthening climate commitments.

However, the divisions observed in Baku, particularly over the historical responsibility of wealthy nations and short-term commitments, will continue to weigh on negotiations. Developing countries hope COP30 can meet their expectations for financing and concrete actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont will not be reappointed as Chairman of Électricité de France, two years after his nomination, despite record profits in 2024 and the revival of the nuclear fleet.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The recent elections in Greenland resulted in a victory for the Demokraatit party, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark and increased support for the exploitation of natural resources, prioritizing the mining and energy sectors. This election comes amid heightened international tensions, notably due to proposals by Donald Trump to annex the territory.
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
An incident in a private power plant caused a nationwide blackout in Panama on Saturday night. The national power grid was severely impacted, leading to an interruption in the potable water supply. Authorities are investigating the causes of the event.
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.

Advertising