The COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan ended with a contentious agreement to set a New Collective Quantified Goal of at least $300 billion annually for developing countries. Despite pushback from India and others, Azerbaijani lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev asserted that there were no formal objections to the decision, highlighting the collaborative nature of the negotiations and emphasizing the importance of collective action in tackling climate issues.
Yalchin Rafiyev, the Lead Negotiator for COP29 in Azerbaijan, stated that there was no formal objection to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) following the climate talks, despite tensions and pushback from India. The discussions, characterized by unprecedented acrimony, concluded with the announcement of a target of at least $300 billion per year by 2035 for climate action geared toward developing countries, where developed nations are expected to lead in contributions.
India had sought the floor for discussion before the decision was finalized, but did not receive an opportunity to object. India was notably the first country to reject the proposal, asserting that it did not align with the interests of the Global South, a sentiment echoed by other developing nations. Rafiyev, however, maintained that the decision was broadly acceptable, insisting that there had been no objections raised prior to or during the adoption of the NCQG.
He highlighted the significant increase from an initial target of $250 billion to $300 billion, and emphasized the collaborative nature of the COP29 negotiations. He asserted that the process was designed to be inclusive, facilitating discussions among all participants and allowing voices from various delegations to be heard. Rafiyev expressed pride in achieving the agreement amidst the complexities of international politics and specific challenges such as recent elections in numerous countries that impacted climate policy stances.
Despite criticisms surrounding the process, Rafiyev reflected that COP29 still culminated in a successful agreement, which also encompasses crucial elements such as the operationalization of the loss and damage fund. He pointed out the broader significance of the finance target set in Baku, indicating that it represents a collective effort that transcends individual national politics. Rafiyev also noted that leadership in climate conversations is emerging from countries like China and the UK, illustrating a shift towards a multilateral approach to climate action. He concluded that the NCQG is a step in the right direction, even if it does not fully resolve the complexities of the climate crisis.
The COP29 negotiations concluded with a new target of $300 billion annually in climate financing for developing nations, despite protests from delegations like India. Rafiyev emphasized that the process was inclusive, allowing for substantial input from all parties, and he highlighted the difficulties faced during the conference. The agreement represents a collective commitment amidst varying political climates, with potential leadership emerging from nations like China and the UK. Overall, the COP29 outcome reflects a concerted effort to address pressing climate challenges.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
