BAKU, Azerbaijan — At the upcoming annual climate conference organized by the United Nations, a diverse group of over twenty world leaders is set to share their insights and experiences concerning the alarming impact of climate change.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan is expected to address the audience about his country’s devastating challenges, which recently included life-threatening floods, a consequence of increasingly intense monsoon rains attributed to climate change.
In 2021, catastrophic flooding claimed over 1,700 lives across Pakistan, and the nation continues to grapple with extreme heat events, with thousands seeking medical attention for heat-related illnesses this spring due to soaring temperatures that reached 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis will also speak, representing numerous countries in the Global South that are burdened with debts resulting from climate-related disasters they contributed little to, having been affected by significant hurricanes like Dorian in 2019 and Matthew in 2016.
Leaders are actively seeking financial assistance and support from wealthier nations and the fossil fuel industry to address these overwhelming challenges.
Another key speaker at the conference will be Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who will discuss the dire impacts of climate change on southern Europe, which recently endured a series of intense heat waves following three consecutive years of below-average rainfall.
In Greece specifically, the country has faced severe water shortages, dehydrated lakes, and even the loss of wild horse populations during these trying conditions.
Among the lineup of attendees are representatives from Italy, Tuvalu, Russia, Morocco, Congo, as well as officials from the Holy See.
Notably absent from this year’s COP29 are some of the most significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions, namely the 13 largest polluting nations, which collectively account for over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. This group notably includes major economies such as China and the United States, as well as India and Indonesia.
However, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be present, announcing an ambitious target aimed at reducing emissions by 81% compared to 1990 levels by 2035, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).
The principal theme of this year’s conference is centered around climate finance, focusing on the necessity of wealthier nations providing compensation to poorer nations affected by climate change, aiding in transitioning economies away from fossil fuels, and supporting adaptation efforts.
In addition, the agenda will feature discussions about the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which draws inspiration from past international treaties that sought to regulate nuclear weapons and other environmental concerns. Proponents believe this treaty aims to halt the growth of fossil fuel production, develop an equitable plan to phase out oil, gas, and coal, and facilitate a swift transition to renewable energy sources.
This initiative has garnered endorsements from various countries and organizations, including Fiji, Colombia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, indigenous nations in Peru, the World Health Organization, and the European Parliament.