CCAC at COP29: Daily Updates - 18 November 2024

COP29: Week 2 Begins

Climate negotiators are back at the table today, following a “rest” day on Sunday. With four days left before the planned close of the Conference, there is increasing concern on the lack of progress made towards a new climate finance agreement, with no consensus on how big the climate targets should be, and which countries should pay. As has happened at previous COPs, if there is no formal agreement by the end of the formal COP programme, negotiators could decide to extend discussions over the weekend in a final effort to reach compromise.

Elsewhere, with the lack of a clear consensus and time beginning to run out, increased pressure is being placed on the G20 Leaders’ Summit, being held this week in Brazil. Speaking ahead of the Summit, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed concern surrounding the progress of negotiations at COP29, emphasizing the urgent need for countries to agree on an ambitious climate finance target that aligns with the challenges faced by developing nations. He stressed that an agreement was essential to fostering trust between developed and developing countries and encouraging the creation of high-ambition national climate plans in the coming year, calling on all G20 nations to “demonstrate responsibility”. Notably, G20 countries represent approximately 80% of global emissions.

COP29: Youth Take the Stage

While last year’s UAE Consensus made headlines for its commitment to phase away from fossil fuels, there was perhaps one under-covered element hiding in the text: an agreement by all parties to enshrine the role of youth in the COP process. COP29 and all future Conferences will now have “Youth Champion” roles, to help advocate for the voice of youth in climate issues, and many delegations have arrived in Baku with a formal youth negotiator as part of their delegation.

Today, supported by UNICEF, young delegates from around the world held a press conference calling for all Parties to uphold their right to a safe and healthy environment. Watch the press availability here.

Super Pollutants at COP29

While the eyes of the world continue to focus on the COP29 financial negotiations, the CCAC Secretariat remains on the ground, advocating for increased ambition to tackle harmful super pollutants like methane, hydrofluorocarbons, black carbon, tropospheric ozone, and nitrous oxide. Engaging with partners new and old, the Secretariat is continuing to spotlight the urgency of including super pollutant measures in upcoming NDCs 3.0.

The CCAC’s new guidance, Including Super Pollutants in Nationally Determined Contributions, provides a pathway for countries to address super pollutant emissions and air pollution, not only for the sake of climate mitigation, but also on the broad co-benefits that come with tackling air quality and sustainable development issues. In addition, the CCAC offers a comprehensive support system that includes technical assistance, capacity building, and funding for projects to ensure countries can achieve the goals they set in their NDCs.  

Speaking at an event co-hosted by Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, and the Global Methane Hub, Martina Otto, Head of the CCAC Secretariat, highlighted the importance of funding methane mitigation, and working with both national and sub-national governments in a coordinated fashion to achieve meaningful emissions reductions. The event focused on methane action in India, featuring a keynote speech from Shri Rjasree Ray, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India.

We Don't Have Time X CCAC:  #BuyMoreTime – Air Pollution

Today's Broadcast features the movers and change-makers on how to collaborate on climate – and how to seize the opportunities as we transition to net zero.

Speakers:

• Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Public Health & Environment, WHO
• Valerie Hickey, Global Director, Environment, The World Bank
• Sean Maguire, Executive Director, Strategic Partnership, Clean Air Fund

Overheard at COP29

On its first day, “Politicians have the power to reach a fair and ambitious deal. They must deliver on this responsibility. They must engage immediately and constructively. The highest possible level of ambition is indeed difficult, and it requires courage. Colleagues now is the time to be brave.”

Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President

“There is still a ton of work to do to ensure COP29 delivers and countries need to be moving much faster towards landing zones, particularly on the climate finance goal. I’ve been very blunt. Climate finance is not charity. It is 100% in every nation’s interest to protect their economies and people from rampant climate impacts.”

Simon Stiell, UN Climate Chief

 “Children around the globe face unique struggles because of climate change, but we also have unique solutions to tackle it. We bring fresh ideas, our energy and the perspective of living through these challenges every day. I truly believe that we make a difference.”

Zunaira, 14, Youth Delegate from Pakistan