It's time for COP on the Steppe!
Keeping you updated about the COP on the Steppe!
Welcome to the ninth edition of our COP29 newsletter! As Baku gears up for this historic climate conference, we're here to keep you informed with the latest updates, insights, and news leading up to the event.
If you are headed to Baku, or wondering what to expect from this COP, read Montfort’s Guide to COP below!
Stay tuned as we cover the key developments surrounding COP29 and its potential impact on the region and beyond.
Countdown to COP: It’s time!
Insights:
COP29 in Baku is set to address key global climate issues, with a primary focus on establishing a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to replace the previous $100 billion annual climate finance target. This ambitious goal aims to meet the urgent needs of developing countries by providing funds for adaptation, loss, and damage, and accelerating the transition from fossil fuels.Donald Trump's re-election introduces fresh uncertainties to U.S. climate policy, particularly given his previous withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a key international effort initiated during COP21 to combat climate change. His stance could shift priorities on emissions targets and commitments, influencing both domestic environmental policies and international cooperation on climate action. The summit will also prioritize climate adaptation for vulnerable nations and aims to bring transparency and accountability in carbon markets to prevent greenwashing.
The summit is marked by the absence of key leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which raises questions about global climate leadership. South Africa and African nations are calling for a $1.3 trillion annual climate finance target dedicated to loss, damage, and adaptation. China and the BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) are pushing to discuss restrictive trade measures like carbon border taxes, which they argue harm developing nations.
Recent Developments around COP29
Azerbaijan and China are collaborating on COP29 preparations, emphasizing partnership on climate initiatives.
WHO urges health integration in climate action, stressing the climate crisis as a health crisis needing financial support for resilience.
Pakistan seeks COP29 funds for adaptation and mitigation, supporting the Global Goal on Adaptation and Loss and Damage Fund for critical areas like water security.
Africa demands a tenfold climate finance increase, advocating for grants over loans to support the continent’s climate resilience.
COP29 agenda includes climate finance, fossil fuel transition, and carbon market rules, with complexities heightened by Trump's re-election.
South Africa and BASIC countries challenge restrictive trade measures like carbon border taxes that impact developing nations, pushing for fair climate policies.
Trends from COP
Azerbaijan is set to demonstrate its commitment to climate action at COP29 with 14 key initiatives, including the BICFIT program to promote green economy diversification and policy development. Central to this is a climate finance fund aimed at supporting adaptation, mitigation, and disaster response in developing nations. A special focus will be placed on linking finance, investment, and trade to accelerate sustainable development.
For more details: Azerbaijan to demonstrate its climate change commitment at COP29 - deputy minister at trend.az
Polling on regional attitudes towards COP29
To summarize the results covered over the previous newsletters, Montfort Eurasia’s polling provides a detailed look into public awareness, sentiment, and priorities regarding COP29 across the Caucasus and Central Asia. Awareness of COP29 remains limited outside of Azerbaijan, highlighting the need for increased regional outreach. Despite this, 61% of respondents expressed concern about climate change, with Central Asia—particularly Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan—showing heightened urgency due to direct climate impacts like water scarcity.
The polling also revealed varied views on the effectiveness of international climate conferences, with a cautious 33% expressing optimism in COP29’s potential, especially in Azerbaijan and Georgia. There is moderate support for Baku hosting COP29, with 51% of Azerbaijanis seeing it positively, though enthusiasm varies across the region.
Public priorities for sustainable development include preservation of natural resources (27%), waste reduction, and renewable energy. Moreover, a significant majority (78%) believes Western nations should take on greater responsibility in combating climate change, reflecting a regional call for global collaboration. This widespread sentiment emphasizes the high expectations for COP29 and the desire for a more inclusive and impactful approach to climate action.
What We’re Reading
Beyond promises: Why COP29 must secure a $1trn climate finance goal for global action - World Economic Forum by Edbbie Hillier
What to expect at COP29 - Travers Smith
COP29: What is the ‘new collective quantified goal’ on climate finance?-  by CarbonBrief by Josh Gabbatiss
If you have any questions about the contents of this newsletter or need advice or assistance at COP29, please don’t hesitate to contact us at eurasia@montfort.london, or our partners at Trend at news@trend.az.