COP29: Bold solutions or hollow commitments?

As COP29 commences, a combination of scepticism, questions, and hope are swirling around the minds of the sustainability community. Will the promises and pledges of COP be fulfilled when push comes to shove? Dive in as we explore where COP stands now.

Monday marked the start of the summit hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan. The location of the summit garnered a few raised eyebrows from its announcement, being the second year in a row that one of the world’s leading oil producers is hosting COP. Rather than ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels, as the last COP28 agreed, oil and gas make up 90% of Azerbaijan’s exports, according to the IEA, with renewables accounting for only 1.4% of its energy supply in 2022. Since its induction as the host state of COP, it has continued to increase oil deals, including with countries such as in Hungary and Slovakia.

On the flip side, many argue that big oil needs to be part of these conversations in an effort to work together to drive change. But this leaves a splitting question: To what extent should they be allowed to pull the wool over our eyes? At COP last year, news broke that oil companies were doing business behind closed doors and a recent investigation by Global Witness revealed that business around oil will still be in play at COP29.

The UK starts with positive momentum

While many questions and concerns swirl about the COP, the conference has started front-of-foot with positive progress. The UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has pledged that the UK will cut its emissions by 81% by 2035. Taken from a 1990 benchmark, this announcement hinges on the Climate Change Committee’s latest recommendation. Since 1990, the UK has decreased its carbon footprint by about 53%, leaving another 28% to go. It’s a welcome declaration after previous PM Rishi Sunak U-turned on previous net zero deadlines and was ridiculed for his notably short visit to COP.

But is it all bark and no bite?

Last year marked the first Global Stocktake, where countries reported back on their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to benchmark progress. While the Stocktake aims to keep momentum and focus on future targets, it’s worth noting that NDCs are not legally binding; they serve as guidelines rather than enforceable commitments. Countries face no fines or penalties for missing targets. Instead, they are held accountable by peer pressure and reputational risks on a global stage. Failure to meet a target can damage a nation’s credibility in the international community.

For some countries, public accountability is a powerful motivator. But others may need stronger incentives—perhaps even financial consequences—to drive meaningful action, especially where fossil fuels remain lucrative.

Where to look for hope…

Despite the scepticism surrounding COP29, the conference continues to be a vital platform for global dialogue and action on climate change. For those attending, it often serves as a beacon of hope, offering a chance to reconnect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and refuel their commitment to a sustainable future. While challenges remain and progress can seem slow, each COP brings new opportunities for collaboration and, perhaps, the incremental steps needed to drive lasting change.

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