The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) will be attending COP29, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024. This year’s COP will address several critical climate issues as part of the ongoing United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations. The conference will focus on a few key activities aimed at advancing global climate action.

One of the primary objectives at COP29 will be advancing climate finance, particularly for developing countries. Nations will aim to fulfil existing financial commitments, while also setting a new, more ambitious collective goal for climate funding. This includes not only public sector funds but also tapping into private finance to meet the substantial resource requirements for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage​.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which governs international carbon markets, will be a focal point of the negotiations. Parties will work to finalise the operational details of these markets to ensure they contribute effectively to reducing emissions. This is vital, as carbon markets can help channel funds from high emitters to projects that promote green development. However, ensuring their rigour and preventing greenwashing will be critical​.

COP29 is also a key moment for countries to submit stronger national climate targets for 2035 (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs), which are due in early 2025. To remain on track to reach Net Zero by 2050, emissions need to fall by 45% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. Although full implementation of all current NDCs would only lead to a 5% reduction. 

Another critical agenda item is the Loss and Damage Fund, which aims to provide financial support to countries most impacted by climate change. COP29 will push for expanding this fund by securing additional contributions, especially from the private sector. Strengthening this mechanism is essential, as the fund is still under development and requires significant scaling to meet global needs​.

The conference will also stress the importance of adaptation, emphasising the need for robust national adaptation plans to help vulnerable countries better prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change. The focus will be on securing more resources for these plans and ensuring that they are effectively implemented​.

Additionally, inclusivity will be a key theme at COP29. Efforts will be made to ensure that all voices, especially those from indigenous communities and marginalised groups, are heard in climate decision-making processes. This aligns with the broader goal of fostering an equitable transition to renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuels, and protecting biodiversity​.

COP29 will shine a light on the critical role of climate education in empowering the next generation. Recent research by UNESCO shows that climate education has the potential to significantly influence students’ attitudes and behaviours, helping them to develop a sense of urgency and responsibility in tackling environmental challenges. The RMetS will be attending the education session in the blue zone on 18th November as part of our climate education engagement with UNESCO and we have developed new education resources ahead of COP29

https://www.metlink.org/resource/geography-resources-for-co29/.

The RMetS has observer status which means we can attend public sessions to help the secretariat ensure effective participation and coordinate observer interaction at sessions. We also provide logistical support to the RINGO constituency, which represents observer organisations that are engaged in research, teaching, and other knowledge-based activities relating to climate change. We will reporting back throughout COP29 with insights and updates. 

The outcomes of the COP29 negotiations will be crucial in shaping the world’s efforts to meet the Paris Agreement targets and prepare for the future impacts of climate change.