COP 29 Summit 2024, Theme, Location, Significance, UPSC Notes

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a pivotal event aimed at tackling global climate challenges. Set to take place from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, COP 29 will bring together countries to negotiate and advance solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and financing. Here’s a comprehensive overview of COP 29, its objectives, significance, and key highlights.

What is COP 29?

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the primary governing body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a 1992 treaty uniting 198 members (197 nations plus the European Union) in the fight against climate change. Every year, COP convenes to review national emission data, assess progress, and shape global climate policy.

COP 29 Summit Key Details

The COP 29 summit, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, marks a pivotal moment as the country takes on a leadership role in global climate action. This year’s discussions will focus on:

• Mobilizing climate finance to support global sustainability efforts.
• Advancing technological innovations in renewable energy.
• Developing comprehensive strategies for global adaptation to climate vulnerability.

COP 29 Summit Key Theme

The theme of COP 29 centers on accelerating progress toward climate goals through innovative solutions, enhanced financial support, and inclusive partnerships. The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29), titled “Investing in a Livable Planet for All,” is being held at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.

COP29Historical Context and Significance

COP meetings have played a crucial role in shaping global climate policy. Key milestones include the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which set legally binding emission reduction targets for developed nations, and the Paris Agreement in 2015, which aimed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with a goal of capping it at 1.5°C. COP 29 builds on these achievements by further advancing climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building efforts to support developing nations in their climate actions. 

Key Milestones of COP:

• Kyoto Protocol (1997): Established at COP3, the Kyoto Protocol required industrialized nations to reduce emissions, setting a collective target of a 4.2% reduction by 2012 from 1990 levels.
• Copenhagen Accord (2009): COP15 introduced the 2°C warming limit and the principle of developed countries funding climate actions in vulnerable nations. However, it fell short of creating a binding treaty.
• Paris Agreement (2015): COP21 marked the adoption of the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C. It also introduced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for each country.
• Glasgow Pact (2021): COP26 led to the "Glasgow Pact," with commitments to reduce coal usage and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, marking the first time coal was addressed in a UN climate agreement.
• Loss and Damage Fund (2023): COP28 launched a fund to support nations suffering from climate disasters, addressing long-standing calls for financial assistance for those most affected by climate change.

Objectives of COP 29

COP 29 focuses on several key areas of climate action:

• Climate Finance: Establishing a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to mobilize financial resources, particularly for supporting climate efforts in developing countries.
• Mitigation and Adaptation: Enhancing commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while implementing strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• Technology Transfer: Promoting the exchange of climate-friendly technologies to bolster global mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
• Global Stocktake: Evaluating collective progress toward the long-term objectives of the Paris Agreement.

India’s Status and Role at COP 29

India plays a critical role in global climate negotiations as one of the largest developing economies and a key player in climate action. Despite this, India has repeatedly highlighted the slow progress in mobilizing the $100 billion annually in climate finance that was pledged by developed nations.

At COP 29, India remains a strong advocate for equity, climate justice, and increased financial and technological support for developing countries. Here’s an overview of India’s contributions and positions on climate action:

India’s Key Contributions and Commitments:

• Net-Zero Target: India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as part of the Paris Agreement. This commitment emphasizes the need to balance development priorities with sustainable practices.
• Renewable Energy Leadership: India is at the forefront of global renewable energy efforts, with a target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India demonstrates its proactive approach to clean energy.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): India has updated its NDCs, setting ambitious goals, including a 45% reduction in the carbon intensity of GDP by 2030 and sourcing 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources.
• Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE): India advocates the LiFE initiative, promoting sustainable consumption patterns and environmentally responsible lifestyles on a global scale.

Current Developments and Challenges

COP 29 has encountered several challenges in reaching consensus on critical issues. Below are some of the ongoing challenges and developments at the summit:

1. Climate Finance Deadlock
   Developing countries have voiced strong concerns over the lack of progress in meeting the promised $100 billion annually in climate finance. The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) remains a contentious issue, with insufficient commitments from developed nations.
2. Mitigation and Adaptation Commitments
   Although countries have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, significant gaps in implementation and ambition continue to exist, particularly between developed and developing nations.
3. Youth Activism and Public Engagement
   Youth movements worldwide have escalated their demands for immediate and bold climate action, criticizing the slow pace of negotiations and the influence of fossil fuel interests on the summit’s proceedings.

COP 29 FAQs

Q1. Where will COP29 be held?
Ans. COP29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Q2. What is the theme of COP29 2024?
Ans. The theme of COP29 is “Investing in a livable planet for all.”

Q3. Who is the host of COP29?
Ans. Azerbaijan is the host of COP29.

Q4. Why is COP29 significant for climate finance?
Ans. COP29 is crucial for climate finance as it aims to establish a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to mobilize financial resources for climate action, especially for developing nations.

Q5. What role does COP29 play in the Paris Agreement?
Ans. COP29 plays a key role in assessing collective progress toward achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and strengthening global mitigation and adaptation efforts.