COP29 in Baku highlights the growing divide between developed and developing nations on climate.
The ongoing COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, which began on November 11, 2024, has cast a spotlight on the growing divergence between developed and developing nations in the fight against climate change. Despite the urgency of the crisis, the summit has shown little evidence of genuine global commitment to meaningful action. Disagreement persists over how to address the root causes of climate change and, more critically, how to provide the financial resources needed to help vulnerable nations adapt and transition to a sustainable future.
At the heart of the COP29 discussions lies a fundamental issue -- the division between the world’s wealthiest and poorest nations -- when it comes to both responsibility for climate change and financial support. The rich countries, which have historically been the biggest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, are now under intense pressure to provide financial assistance to developing nations that are most affected by climate change but have contributed the least to the crisis.
Developing countries, including India, Brazil, and many African nations, have voiced strong demands for the fulfillment of financial promises made at previous climate talks. These countries argue that the financial assistance pledged by wealthy nations, including the goal of $100 billion annually to support climate adaptation and mitigation in the global south, remains far from realised. This unmet promise continues to be a point of contention at COP29, with developing nations insisting that the West must meet its obligations before asking emerging economies like China and India to take on a larger share of the burden.
While these poorer countries grapple with the immediate impacts of climate change, they also face the challenge of building resilient economies that are not reliant on fossil fuels. However, without adequate financial support from developed nations, this transition remains out of reach for many.
Many developed countries, especially the United States and certain European nations, continue to be hesitant to commit the resources necessary to address the climate crisis on a global scale. The developed world’s reluctance stems from both economic concerns and political resistance, with some arguing that developing nations must shoulder a greater share of the burden in terms of emissions reductions.
This reluctance is compounded by the continued backlash against the financial mechanisms outlined in the Paris Agreement. Despite repeated promises to deliver $100 billion annually by 2020, the target has yet to be met, and the gap in financing remains a significant obstacle to progress. This has led to growing frustration among developing nations, who feel that their calls for climate justice are being ignored.
Meanwhile, the rich nations have suggested that emerging economies, such as China and India, should take more responsibility for reducing emissions, even though these countries are still at an earlier stage of development. Such demands have been criticised as unfair, particularly when the historical emissions of developed nations, chiefly the United States and European countries, are taken into account.
Despite the evident need for greater international cooperation, COP29 has shown that global unity on climate change remains elusive. While countries like India are calling for more equitable financial mechanisms and faster emission cuts from the developed world, some richer nations continue to deflect responsibility, focusing instead on the growing emissions of countries like China. This lack of consensus has created an impasse that undermines the effectiveness of international climate frameworks.
The tension between economic growth and environmental responsibility is most palpable in the discussions surrounding developing economies. Nations like India and China, which are still in the process of industrialisation and poverty reduction, argue that their emissions reductions cannot be undertaken without significant financial backing from developed countries. For them, balancing climate action with socio-economic development is crucial, and without international assistance, their ability to implement meaningful change is severely limited.
COP29 reveals that despite overwhelming evidence of climate change’s devastating impact, the political will to address the crisis remains insufficient. The world is still at a crossroads, with no clear path forward. Rich countries have yet to fully embrace their historical responsibility for emissions or make good on their financial promises. Meanwhile, developing nations, whose populations are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, are left with few options but to demand justice and accountability from the global community.
As the summit progresses, the question remains: Will COP29 result in tangible commitments to fund climate action and reduce emissions, or will it be another example of inaction and half-hearted promises? If the world does not shift course soon, the consequences will be dire for future generations. The time for serious action is long overdue, and without a breakthrough at COP29, the prospects for a sustainable, equitable future grow increasingly uncertain.
