Abstract: The key focus of the recently concluded 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UNFCCC, in Azerbaijan, was a new goal for financial flows from developed to developing countries for the implementation of climate action. However, the final decision on this particular agenda, gavelled through over 30 hours after the official closing time of the conference, was heavily contested. India registered its strong objection to the substance of the decision, as well as to the process of adoption that was followed by the COP Presidency (Azerbaijan) and the secretariat of the UNFCCC. The discussions on climate finance were taking place in the wake of changing political regimes, expansion of fossil fuel exploration, as well as increasing imposition of trade barriers through unilateral measures, all in and by the global North. This is also taking place in the wake of new and revised pledges for climate change mitigation that all countries are due to submit by February 2025. It is no surprise therefore, that discussions on the phase out of fossil fuels, just transitions, and enhancing ambition in the NDCs to keep the "1.5 deg. C target alive", were also heavily contested. This talk will provide an overview of the key discussions and decisions emerging from COP29 and the lessons it holds for developing countries for the future.
About the speaker: The speaker is an Associate Professor in the Energy Environment and Climate Change Program at NIAS and was member (scientific expert) of the Government of India delegation to COP-29.