COP 29 is more than just a catchy abbreviation for an event that people seemingly forget, until it makes headlines. The conference on climate change that hosts various leaders of the world convened this year in Baku, Azerbaijan- a country that relies heavily on revenue from oil and gas with plans to expand its production within the next decade. Each year world leaders come to the stage and re-new their so-called commitment to making a change in the inevitable disaster that is climate change. Yet their sincerity in the fight against the climate crises remains questionable.
The two-week Conference of the Parties (COP) referring to those a part of the United Nations Framework convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), still lacks participation from major players, most notably China’s Xi Jinping, the US President, India’s Modi, France’s President Phillippe Macron along with the European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Given that this year’s focus is on Climate Financing one might expect such flourishing states to take the lead in the race to save the Earth. Rather the responsibility falls on the shoulders of nations which, in simplest terms, lack the funds and play a minimal role in the excessive levels of carbon emissions.
The irony lies within the event’s own carbon footprint. Where leaders from all over the world fly to the event in their private jets, navigate the cities in their motor vehicles and stay in luxury hotels- acts that continually undercut that which is environmentally sustainable. At the same time the choice of venues or modern facilities for temporary events all involve unsustainable practices, The current event is being held at Baku Olympic Stadium, which was constructed in 2015 promises to use sustainable energy solutions for its consumption regardless, combining that with the immense use of energy and the waste left over by the 70,000-plus attendees, contradicts the integrity of such an event.
The claims of Green Washing amongst this backdrop certainly seem legitimate, where countries like the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan avail opportunities to host such an event, showcasing their commitment to bringing productive solutions, yet are met with accusations of their efforts being a PR stunt. The credibility of a conference where the host relies on the industry that at its core is the source of the climate crisis, is questionable indeed. If COP truly aims towards a sustainable future, shouldn’t at least the hosting state exemplify its commitment?
While this seems like an age-old tale repeated time and time again, one can’t help but wonder whether these criticisms carry an imperialistic undertone. Where in particular, at the conference last year the Arab leadership of the climate conference in their attempts to assert a climate agenda were often sidelined or undermined by others. It is indeed ironic that the leadership of the conference even, in the case of the UAE, was placed into the hands of an executive of an oil company, a paradox that has repeated itself this year and will likely do so in the next years. None the less, climate diplomacy in particular remains deeply influenced by global power structures, where the West dominates discourse often at the expense of others. Trump’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, an expected move once again, and sheer lack of participation continues to reflect these values.
In spite of this, perhaps this recognition and advancement in discourse is what we need for world leaders to truly realize the urgency and the ticking-time bomb of environmental disasters. None of which can be addressed until COP adapts to a transparent and accountable model, providing developing states with the assistance they need. The world does not need another set of empty promises, but an authentic commitment is long overdue.
Amongst these hypocrisies, these efforts seem like a privilege for the wealthy leaving behind nations who are in need of dire action. The challenge of ‘going green’ feels like a rich man’s game, where wealthier nations or corporations have the capacity to invest towards renewable sources and continue eco-friendly practices. While developing nations are once again left behind.
Countries who were only just getting a footing in the international arena with development are being challenged to somehow turn back time, now that the issue of environmental sustainability is of concern to the West. This disparity or ‘climate hierarchy’ where such sustainable living is becoming a luxury for those who can afford it while vulnerable countries bear the brunt of the climate crisis with even fewer resources to adapt to.
The timing of COP 29 could not be more fitting with Pakistan experiencing yet another season of smog and astounding levels of Air Quality. Year after year Pakistan is reminded of the detrimental effects of climate change with record-breaking levels of heat in the summer, the winter smog. The devastating floods of 2022 become a distant memory with appropriate action yet to find its way to the elites who rule the city and the state. Countries like Pakistan who bear the brunt of climate change continuously get lost within these games of power.
Within this grim reality the air around the event feels different and it isn’t just the smog. The results of the US election has brought a distinct feeling of hopelessness, dimming hopes of change within the environmental crisis. This climate-related pessimism isn’t just prevalent in Pakistan, but can be found lurking within the halls of COP 29 which faces another obstacle in amongst growing doubts.
In spite of this, perhaps this recognition and advancement in discourse is what we need for world leaders to truly realize the urgency and the ticking-time bomb of environmental disasters. None of which can be addressed until COP adapts to a transparent and accountable model, providing developing states with the assistance they need. The world does not need another set of empty promises, but an authentic commitment is long overdue.
