In brief
With key discussions underway, leaders express concerns over a potential collapse of the talks.
As the COP29 climate summit continues in Baku, Azerbaijan, tensions are rising among the negotiators from nearly 200 countries. The priority issue remains obtaining significant funding—potentially in the trillions—for developing nations facing the brunt of climate change effects. Several disagreements persist regarding the amount of money to be allocated, the categorization of financial support, and how recipient countries can access these funds. In the face of the looming deadline, there are fears this summit could end without achieving a consensus—something not seen since the Copenhagen talks in 2009. “There is a high risk this could collapse,” shared a senior negotiator from Europe, opting to stay anonymous amid the negotiations. Simon Stiell, the head of the United Nations climate team, has urged leaders to overcome their stalemate and collaborate, emphasizing that continued infighting will only stall progress. With just four days remaining, the clock is ticking for meaningful change.
