5 days ago
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Amid geopolitical tensions, slow progress has been made in the first week of negotiations at COP29 and ministers must now break the deadlock on climate finance.
Jasper Inventor, Head of COP29 Greenpeace Delegation said: “The geopolitical headwinds have made it difficult, but the real obstacle is the lack of political will in Baku. Incremental progress is not enough when communities are suffering escalating climate impacts.”
“Repeated flooding in Spain, multiple typhoons battering the Philippines and recurring hurricanes in the Americas are urgent alarm bells. The climate crisis doesn’t wait for political compromises and ministers need to face up to this reality.”
“But we still have hope. Multilateralism is our best shot at solving this crisis and the world meets annually to find common ground. Will leaders rise to the occasion or hide behind half-measures? Developed countries must step forward now with serious commitments to climate finance.”
“Greenpeace is calling for an agreement to unlock trillions of dollars for mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage. Ministers must leave Baku with a bold finance package that funds ambitious climate action and delivers desperately needed public finance support to those on the frontlines of this crisis.”
“It’s time for fossil fuel companies to pay their dues for the relentless destruction they’ve caused. Climate finance must be underpinned by mechanisms that make polluters pay for the damage their products have inflicted on vulnerable communities and ecosystems.”
“History will judge the courage displayed at these COPs and how well leaders have been able to overcome the constraints imposed on them. The second week in Baku must deliver hope, decisive action and the ambitious outcomes people around the world are demanding.”
Carolina Pasquali, Executive Director, Greenpeace Brazil said: “While the real world suffers deeply from climate disasters, there is a sense inside this closed venue that some parties are running away from a reality check. As technical as this first week was, a fundamental part was missing: what happens here must give confidence to the world, especially the most vulnerable, that there is a desire from global leaders to make things right.”
“We expect the G20 leaders in Rio next week to deliver a strong steer to set the ambition for what must be achieved in Baku: a robust finance package with money also for adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage. Brazil, as G20 host, has an opportunity to rise as a global climate leader by driving agreements at the G20 that can complement the negotiations at COP29.”
“We can’t afford distractions or delays. We can’t let the stage be taken by those undermining the only possible path forward: collaboration grounded in solidarity and shared responsibility.”
Zhe Yao, Global Policy Advisor, Greenpeace East Asia said: “China and its long-time climate partner, the EU, together with other key countries, are in a position to reassure the world that climate action will continue by taking a clear leadership role. China’s domestic climate action, supercharged by its clean tech industry, is already unstoppable.”
“We can also expect increased funding and resources from China to support other developing countries, regardless of the outcome of the NCQG negotiations.”
“It has been encouraging to see China respond to concerns about the transparency of its climate finance. This brings us closer to a common ground on the new finance goal. In addition to further improving transparency and reporting, China’s financial support could better address the growing adaptation and resilience needs of developing countries.”
Murtala Touray, Programme Director, Greenpeace Africa said: “We are calling on negotiators to stand firm in demanding that fossil fuel companies pay their fair share for the damage they’ve caused to our communities and the environment.”
“We have an historic opportunity at COP29 to champion real sustainable solutions that will protect our communities and ecosystems. To do that, we need bold leadership that prioritises people over profits and ensures a just transition to renewable energy systems across the continent.”
ENDS
Contact:
Aaron Gray-Block, Greenpeace International, Climate Politics Communications Specialist, aaron.gray-block@greenpeace.org
Gaby Flores, Greenpeace International, Communications Coordinator, +1 214 454 3871, cflores@greenpeace.org
Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org
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