In a twist of irony the worlds first-ever oil city now hosts talks about ending fossil-fuel dependence. The UN climate conference (COP29) kicked-off in oil-scented Baku Azerbaijan focusing on cash-flow discussions between rich and poor nations
The two week gathering faces a complex task — setting-up new rules for global climate funding. Sultan Al Jaber chairs discussions about money transfers that might reach trillions per year; while worldwide conflicts and economic problems create extra pressure on talks
The host citys petroleum-rich history (you can still smell it in the air) makes an interesting backdrop for negotiations. Representatives from wealthy countries sit down with developing nations partners to work out how much money should move between them: this includes both cutting emissions and dealing with climate effects
- Climate damage compensation
- New funding mechanisms
- Support for green tech
- Help with climate adaptation
The talks happen during difficult times with wars economic problems and big political changes around the world making agreements harder to reach. Still delegates push forward trying to find common ground on these money-related issues that could reshape our planets future