BAKU, Azerbaijan — On Tuesday, leaders from around the world gathered for the annual climate conference at the United Nations in Baku, Azerbaijan. However, the absence of major figures and powerful nations stands in stark contrast to previous climate summits that showcased high-profile attendees akin to a global sporting event, such as the World Cup.

This year’s climate discussions resemble the finals of the World Chess Federation—rich in technical knowledge and strategic planning, but lacking the attention that comes with recognizable icons. Notably, the leaders from the 13 largest carbon dioxide-emitting countries will not be attending, despite these nations contributing to over 70% of the greenhouse gases released in 2023.

Significantly, both China and the United States, the largest contributors to carbon emissions, have opted not to send their top leaders. Moreover, the four most populous countries, which together represent more than 42% of the global population, have also refrained from having their leaders take the stage.

Bill Hare, a climate scientist and CEO of Climate Analytics, commented on the situation, remarking, “It reflects a broader lack of political commitment to address these issues. There is no visible urgency.” He pointed out that this absence highlights the disarray currently faced in the climate crisis.

Among the nearly 50 leaders scheduled to address the conference are Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, the presence of leaders from nations most susceptible to climate impacts is set to be notable, as several leaders from small island states and over a dozen representatives from African nations are expected to speak during the two-day World Leaders’ Summit at COP29.

In a sign of changing times, the morning session saw cameras following an unassuming figure—Azerbaijan’s emergency management minister—as he navigated through the conference, underscoring how the standard for star power has shifted considerably.