Climate change is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges facing the world in the 21st century. With global temperatures continuing to rise, extreme weather events becoming more frequent, glaciers melting at accelerating rates, and sea levels rising, the international community has realized that urgent and effective actions are required to address the issue of climate change. Since the establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, climate negotiations have taken place on a global scale, with the most prominent being the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP). Each COP conference serves as a critical platform for governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups to discuss climate actions, formulate policy frameworks, and promote global cooperation.
COP29 represents the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties under the UNFCCC, marking a new phase in global climate governance. In this conference, nations will continue their efforts to achieve global emission reduction targets, discuss how to accelerate the implementation of climate adaptation measures, and explore how to achieve a global green transition. The importance of COP29 lies not only in its potential to influence global climate policies for the coming years but also in the key decisions it will make regarding the achievement of global emission reduction targets, the support for climate financing for developing countries, and the latest progress in addressing climate change.
COP29: Attendees and Absentees—The Impact of Participation
As the conference approaches, the issue of who will attend COP29 has attracted widespread attention. One major issue is the level of participation by national leaders and representatives. Typically, heads of state or senior representatives from countries around the world attend climate conferences, but some nations or regions may choose to skip or participate at a lower level for various reasons. This phenomenon has sparked a great deal of discussion, especially considering that climate change is an issue critical to the future of the planet. Does the absence of high-level participation affect the effectiveness of the conference and the progress of global climate actions?
On one hand, the attendance of leaders from major countries such as the United States, China, and the European Union often plays a crucial role in pushing climate negotiations forward. The policies and actions of these countries are essential for achieving global emission reduction goals, and therefore, whether their leaders attend and actively participate in discussions becomes a focal point for both international media and the public. On the other hand, many developing countries, especially those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, tend to send their heads of government or other high-level officials to represent their interests at these conferences, signaling their commitment to addressing climate change and advocating for the international community to recognize their climate adaptation needs.
The absence of certain nations, particularly economic and political powerhouses, raises questions among the global community. The lack of high-level participation from these countries can reduce the political momentum and decision-making power of the conference, thus potentially hindering international cooperation on climate change issues.
Key Topics and Discussion Points at COP29
At COP29, the primary focus will be on measures to address climate change, achieving emission reduction targets, the allocation of climate finance, and other related issues. The following are some of the key topics likely to be discussed:
1. Global Temperature Control Targets: Implementing the 1.5°C and 2°C Goals
Global warming is an issue with cross-national and long-term consequences. According to the Paris Agreement, countries around the world have committed to striving to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and to keeping the rise below 2°C by the end of this century. However, global greenhouse gas emissions remain at historically high levels, and without significant emission reductions, the global temperature may exceed these targets. One of the key discussion points at COP29 will be how to present a concrete timeline and specific measures for emission reductions, based on current emission trends and scientific research, to effectively achieve the 1.5°C goal.
In addition, many developing countries have pointed out that due to the large historical emissions from developed nations, developing countries are facing significant pressures and an imbalanced burden when it comes to emissions reductions. Therefore, how to implement a fair distribution of emission reduction responsibilities will also be an important issue at the conference.
2. Climate Financing: Supporting Developing Countries
Climate change impacts are especially severe for developing countries. To help these nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the negative effects of climate change, developed countries have committed to providing climate financing support. These funds are used not only for climate adaptation and mitigation measures but also to provide technical assistance and resources for the green transformation of developing countries. COP29 will continue to discuss how to ensure that financing commitments are met, address issues related to the allocation of funds, transparency, and how to advance climate financing mechanisms.
3. Innovations and Developments in Emission Reduction Technologies
Technological innovations for emission reductions are key to achieving global temperature control goals. Many countries and businesses have already begun investing in new low-carbon technologies, such as clean energy technologies, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and hydrogen energy. COP29 will discuss how to accelerate the widespread adoption of these technologies, promote technology transfer and cooperation, and ensure that developing countries receive the necessary technical support to achieve their sustainable development goals.
4. Climate Adaptation and Post-Disaster Recovery
Climate change is not only a mitigation issue but also an adaptation challenge. Many regions highly vulnerable to climate change, such as small island nations, drought-prone areas, and low-lying coastal zones, are already suffering from severe impacts. COP29 will discuss how to enhance the adaptive capacity of these regions, ensuring that they are better equipped to recover from extreme weather events and climate disasters and that long-term climate-resilient planning can be implemented.
The International Impact and Future Outlook of COP29
As a major international climate negotiation conference, the outcomes of COP29 will directly influence global climate governance for the coming years. The differences in positions among various countries and regions—especially between developed and developing nations—will be a key factor in determining the results of the conference. Although climate change is a global issue, the stark differences in the responsibilities for emissions reductions, technology transfers, and climate financing mean that the negotiations will be complicated. How to achieve concrete agreements at this conference and drive stronger action will be a tremendous challenge for global climate policy.
Despite these challenges, COP29 offers a platform for cooperation and collective action. As the global climate crisis intensifies, more and more countries and companies are recognizing the economic and social risks posed by climate change and are gradually raising their level of awareness and action to address the issue. It is hoped that through this conference, countries can work together more closely, contributing to a unified effort in tackling the climate crisis.
Conclusion: Future Climate Conferences and Global Cooperation
COP29 is not just an international negotiation forum, but a microcosm of global climate governance. In the face of climate change—a challenge that transcends national boundaries—countries of all sizes and levels of wealth must work together to form a unified response. This is not only for the present but also for the survival and prosperity of future generations. While climate negotiations are often accompanied by complex political maneuvering, there is hope that through deepening global cooperation and technological innovation, we can look forward to a more sustainable and equitable future for the planet.
