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Report on Key Outcomes of the COP29 Climate Summit in Baku

Introduction: Assessing Global Climate Action through the Lens of the Sustainable Development Goals

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded with mixed outcomes that have significant implications for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. While progress was made in operationalizing certain aspects of the Paris Agreement, major divisions on climate finance and mitigation ambition exposed critical gaps in the global partnership required to meet SDG 13 (Climate Action). The negotiations underscored the deep interdependence between climate policy and broader development objectives, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Climate Finance and Global Partnerships: The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)

Core Outcome and Disappointment

A central outcome of COP29 was the establishment of a new climate finance goal. Developed nations committed to leading efforts to channel “at least” $300 billion annually to developing countries by 2035. This represents a core component of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which calls for mobilizing financial resources to support developing nations.

• Developed Nation Commitment: A target of at least $300 billion per year by 2035, to be led by developed countries.
• Broader Mobilization Goal: A separate, looser call was made for all actors to scale up funds from public and private sources to at least $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
• Voluntary Contributions: The agreement leaves open the possibility of voluntary contributions from developing nations, a point of contention during negotiations.

Implications for Sustainable Development

The final agreement was met with profound disappointment from developing nations, who had collectively called for $1.3 trillion annually in direct public finance from developed countries. This significant shortfall raises concerns about the feasibility of achieving multiple SDGs.

1. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The gap between the needs of the Global South and the commitments of the Global North highlights persistent inequalities in the global climate response. The process, which saw some developing nations accuse the presidency of pushing the deal through without full consent, further strained trust.
2. SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 13 (Climate Action): Developing countries argued that the agreed-upon sum is insufficient to fund necessary adaptation measures and a just energy transition, thereby jeopardizing efforts to eradicate poverty and build resilience against climate impacts.
3. Loss and Damage: Notably, the NCQG text does not explicitly allocate funds for loss and damage, acknowledging only that “gaps remain.” This omission is a critical setback for the most vulnerable nations already facing irreversible climate impacts.

Mitigation Efforts and the Global Stocktake

Stalled Progress on Fossil Fuel Transition

A significant failure at COP29 was the inability to reach an agreement on how to implement the outcomes of the COP28 Global Stocktake, particularly the landmark pledge to “transition away from fossil fuels.” This lack of progress directly impedes the world’s ability to meet the targets of SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

• The decision on carrying forward the stocktake outcomes was deferred to COP30 in Brazil.
• Negotiations within the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) were deadlocked, with all references to the Global Stocktake and fossil fuels removed from the final text at the insistence of several parties.
• This outcome reflects a backtracking from the ambition shown at COP28 and raises questions about the commitment of some nations to the 1.5°C temperature goal.

Influence of Geopolitical Factors

The recent US election outcome cast a shadow over the negotiations. The anticipated withdrawal of the world’s largest historical emitter from the Paris Agreement under a new administration weakened the position of US negotiators and appeared to embolden parties resistant to ambitious mitigation measures. This geopolitical shift threatens the stability of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and the multilateral process itself.

Operationalizing the Paris Agreement: Carbon Markets and Adaptation

Finalization of Article 6 on Carbon Markets

A notable success at COP29 was the finalization of the remaining rules for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which governs international carbon markets. This development is crucial for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) as it establishes a UN-backed mechanism for international cooperation on emissions reductions.

• Rules for country-to-country trading (Article 6.2) and a new international carbon market (Article 6.4) were agreed upon.
• The new mechanism includes safeguards related to human rights and sustainable development, aligning its implementation with broader SDG principles.
• This concludes nearly a decade of negotiations, making all elements of the Paris Agreement rulebook complete.

Progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)

Negotiations on adaptation, a cornerstone of SDG 13.1 (strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity), moved forward with the launch of the “Baku Adaptation Roadmap.”

• The roadmap aims to advance the UAE-Belém work programme, which is developing indicators to measure progress on adaptation targets.
• A key point of contention was the inclusion of indicators for “means of implementation” (MOI), primarily finance. A compromise was reached to include MOI, addressing a key demand from developing countries who argue that adaptation action is impossible without financial support, linking it back to SDG 17.

Cross-Cutting Issues and Their SDG Linkages

Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP)

In a significant setback for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), COP29 closed without an agreement on the Just Transition Work Programme. Divisions over the scope of the programme and a lack of dedicated negotiating time from the presidency led to a complete stall, failing to provide a pathway for ensuring that the shift to a green economy is equitable for workers and communities.

Gender Action Plan

In line with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), parties agreed to a 10-year extension of the Gender Action Plan. The final text retained a reference to human rights but excluded more progressive language on “intersectionality” and women “in all their diversity.” Debates over dedicated financing for gender-responsive climate policies remained unresolved, highlighting the ongoing challenge of integrating gender considerations into climate finance mechanisms.

Agriculture and Food Security

Progress was made on the Sharm-el-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture and Food Security (SJWA), supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). The agreement focused on enhancing an online portal to make it more accessible for farmers and to help link agricultural climate projects with financial support, thereby improving the implementation of climate action in this critical sector.

Response Measures

A four-year work plan on response measures was established, creating a formal space within the UNFCCC to discuss the cross-border impacts of climate policies, such as carbon border taxes. This outcome is relevant to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as it provides a forum for developing countries to address concerns that unilateral trade measures could negatively impact their economies.

Conclusion and Outlook for COP30

COP29 delivered an operational rulebook for carbon markets but failed to generate the required ambition on finance and mitigation. The outcomes reflect a global community struggling to uphold the principles of equity and partnership enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals. The insufficient finance goal threatens to undermine progress across the 2030 Agenda, particularly in the most vulnerable nations. The failure to build on the COP28 fossil fuel transition language represents a missed opportunity to accelerate action on SDG 7 and SDG 13. All eyes now turn to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where the international community will face immense pressure to deliver credible national climate plans (NDCs) and a more robust framework for global cooperation that aligns with the urgent demands of both the climate crisis and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses a range of issues from the COP29 summit that are directly and indirectly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus is on climate action, but this intersects with goals related to energy, partnerships, economic growth, equality, and food security.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  This is the most central SDG addressed. The entire article revolves around international negotiations to combat climate change. Specific discussions include the new climate finance goal (NCQG) to support developing countries, the pledge to transition away from fossil fuels, the operationalization of carbon markets under Article 6, and measures for adaptation and loss and damage. The failure to agree on carrying forward the “global stocktake” outcomes directly impacts the ambition needed to take urgent action as called for by this goal.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The COP29 summit itself is a manifestation of this goal, representing a global partnership to address climate change. The article highlights the complexities of this partnership, detailing the disagreements between developed and developing nations over climate finance ($300bn vs. $1.3tn), the accusations of the COP29 presidency pushing deals through without consent, and the challenges to multilateralism posed by the US election outcome. The finalization of Article 6 rules and the creation of alliances like the “Global Clean Power Alliance” are examples of strengthening these partnerships.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article extensively covers the global effort to shift energy systems. The key pledge from COP28 to “transitioning away from fossil fuels” is a central point of contention. Furthermore, new initiatives were launched at COP29, including the “global energy storage and grids pledge” to deploy 1,500 GW of energy storage by 2030 and the “Global Clean Power Alliance” aimed at tripling renewable energy capacity. These actions are directly aligned with promoting clean energy access and infrastructure.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The discussion on the “just transition work programme” (JTWP) directly connects to this SDG. The goal of the JTWP is to ensure that the shift away from fossil fuels creates decent work and quality jobs, protecting labor rights and communities. The article notes that negotiations on this programme stalled and ended without agreement, highlighting a significant challenge in ensuring the economic and social dimensions of the climate transition are equitable.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article mentions the negotiations on the “gender action plan,” which aims to ensure that climate policies are gender-responsive and promote women’s participation in climate action. The debate over its mandate, financing, and inclusive language, and the eventual agreement on a 10-year extension, show a direct link to empowering women and girls in the context of climate change.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The negotiations under the “Sharm-el-Sheikh Joint Work on the Implementation of Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security” (SJWA) are relevant to this goal. The article explains that discussions focused on making an online portal more accessible for farmers to seek collaboration and finance, thereby supporting resilient agricultural practices and food security in the face of climate change.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, several specific SDG targets can be identified as being directly addressed by the negotiations and outcomes of COP29.

1. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):

   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the UNFCCC to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020… and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund.
     • Explanation: The article’s main focus is on the “new collective quantified goal on climate finance” (NCQG), which is the successor to the $100 billion goal. The agreement for developed nations to channel “at least $300bn a year” into developing countries by 2035 is a direct attempt to fulfill and scale up this target.
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
     • Explanation: The discussions on the “global goal on adaptation” (GGA), the development of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and the operationalization of the “fund for responding to loss and damage” all aim to build resilience and help countries cope with the impacts of climate change, as described in the article.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
     • Explanation: The article mentions that countries are expected to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by February 2025. The discussions around the “global stocktake” and the “mitigation work programme” were intended to guide these national plans to be more ambitious and aligned with the 1.5C limit.

2. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
     • Explanation: The article refers to the COP28 goal to “triple renewables,” which the new “Global Clean Power Alliance” aims to support. This directly aligns with increasing the share of renewable energy.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
     • Explanation: The same COP28 outcome mentioned in the article includes a goal to “double efficiency,” which is a direct reflection of this target.

3. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):

   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
     • Explanation: The NCQG agreement calls for raising $1.3 trillion each year by 2035 from a “wide range of sources, including private investment,” which directly corresponds to this target of mobilizing finance from multiple public and private actors.

4. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):

   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
     • Explanation: The article states that the “just transition work programme” (JTWP) negotiations included a recognition of “labour rights.” The entire purpose of the JTWP is to ensure the transition to a green economy is fair for workers, aligning with this target.

5. Under SDG 5 (Gender Equality):

   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
     • Explanation: The “gender action plan” discussed in the article is designed to promote gender-responsive climate action, which includes enhancing the role and participation of women in climate negotiations and policy implementation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

• For Climate Finance (Targets 13.a, 17.3):

  • Quantitative Indicator: The core financial commitment of “at least $300bn a year” to be channeled by developed nations to developing countries by 2035.
  • Quantitative Indicator: The broader goal of mobilizing “$1.3tn each year from a wide range of sources” by 2035.
  • Quantitative Indicator: The total amount pledged to the loss and damage fund, which the article states reached “$759m”.

• For Clean Energy (Target 7.2):

  • Quantitative Indicator: The goal to deploy “1,500 gigawatts (GW) of energy storage by 2030,” which is part of the new “global energy storage and grids pledge.”
  • Qualitative Indicator: The number of countries joining the “Global Clean Power Alliance” to work towards tripling renewable energy capacity.
  • Qualitative Indicator: The number of countries including a pledge for “no new unabated coal power” in their NDCs (the article mentions 25 countries and the EU).

• For Climate Action and Mitigation (Target 13.2):

  • Quantitative Indicator: The emission reduction targets set in new NDCs. The article specifies the UK’s target (“81% below 1990 levels by 2035”) and Brazil’s targets (“59% or 67% reduction in emissions… compared to 2005 levels”).
  • Qualitative Indicator: The number of countries that submit their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) by the deadline. The article notes that 11 countries had submitted them so far.

• For Gender Equality (Target 5.5):

  • Qualitative Indicator: The successful agreement to extend the “gender action plan” for a 10-year mandate serves as an indicator of continued commitment to integrating gender considerations into climate action.

• For Just Transition (Target 8.8):

  • Qualitative Indicator (Negative): The failure to reach an agreement on the “just transition work programme” (JTWP) is a clear indicator of a lack of progress in establishing a formal, actionable plan for a globally coordinated just transition.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: carbonbrief.org