The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlighted a stark reality: the Global South continues to shoulder a disproportionate share of the climate burden. While these nations have made significant strides in combating climate change, their efforts are hampered by insufficient support from wealthier countries.
Nations like Kenya, Brazil, and Grenada showcased ambitious projects aimed at mitigating climate impacts and enhancing resilience. Kenya highlighted its solar-powered irrigation systems, bolstering food security while reducing emissions. Brazil reiterated its commitment to protecting the Amazon rainforest, a critical global carbon sink absorbing billions of tons of carbon dioxide annually. Grenada reaffirmed its dedication to the Global Cooling Pledge, aiming to reduce cooling-related emissions by 68 percent by 2050 through sustainable technology and energy efficiency.
Despite these initiatives, the financial burden remains heavy. African countries alone require approximately $280 billion annually by 2030 for climate adaptation and mitigation—a figure beyond their means. The operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP29 was a positive step, with $700 million pledged to assist nations already grappling with climate-induced disasters. However, this falls short of the estimated $580 billion needed annually by 2030 to address escalating climate impacts.
Promises from wealthier nations remain largely unfulfilled. The $100 billion annual climate finance commitment, first pledged in 2009, has yet to be fully realized. This persistent shortfall has eroded trust in developed countries as reliable partners in global climate efforts.
Moreover, major emitters such as the United States and the European Union have not aligned their Nationally Determined Contributions with the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Many continue to subsidize fossil fuels and invest in carbon-intensive industries, undermining their public commitments to climate action.
Leaders from the Global South at COP29 called for accountability and equitable action. As the most vulnerable regions face severe droughts, floods, and biodiversity loss, they are compelled to bear an unfair share of the climate burden. This imbalance exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and hampers the scalability of successful initiatives, which often rely on external funding to sustain momentum.
The Global South’s message is clear: Addressing the climate crisis requires genuine commitment and equitable support from wealthier nations. Without sufficient financial and structural assistance, the collective fight against climate change remains unbalanced, and the most vulnerable will continue to suffer the consequences of inaction.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
