[ad_1]
The UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan aimed to secure a deal on climate finance, with wealthy countries pledging $250 billion annually to poorer nations by 2035. However, this falls far short of the $1 trillion per year that developing countries are seeking. The conference was impacted by poor attendance from world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. There are concerns that the current U.N. climate talks framework is no longer effective, as extreme weather events become more common. Smaller, vulnerable nations are disproportionately affected by climate change, as seen in Pacific Island nations facing rising sea levels.
The conference also addressed concerns over who should foot the bill for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Developing nations feel that major polluting countries are not taking enough responsibility. Disagreements arose, particularly with regard to countries like Saudi Arabia and China’s roles as historical emitters. The infighting and lack of consensus further complicate efforts to address climate change.
While the atmosphere at the conference was overshadowed by concerns about funding, lack of progress on a deal, and geopolitical tensions, there were some positive developments. Despite the absence of leaders from major economies, there were efforts to reassure attendees that climate action would continue. Additionally, the conference saw the participation of first-time attendees from Taliban-led Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of addressing climate change in vulnerable regions.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
