Urgency and Unity: A Call to Action at COP29

The U.N. climate summit COP29 commenced with a focus on finance and trade negotiations amid a backdrop of recent weather disasters. Leaders stressed the immediate need for action, emphasizing that climate change is already impacting lives and urging for unity and decisive steps to uphold the Paris Agreement goals.

The U.N. climate summit COP29 has started, bringing finance and trade discussions to the forefront after a year noted for severe weather events. Developing nations are more determined than ever in their call for climate funding.

In his opening remarks, COP29 President-Elect Mukhtar Babayev highlighted the urgent reality of climate change, noting its presence today, not just the future. Babayev called for courageous leadership at what he described as a crucial moment to carve a sustainable path for all.

Outgoing COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber urged attendees to demonstrate unity and action. Al Jaber left the assembly with a powerful message: let positive action define our legacy, emphasizing the importance of results over rhetoric in combating climate change.

(With inputs from agencies.)