Reflections from COP29: Bridging Divides for Unified Climate Action
Written by Nareeka Ahir, UNITED Delegate and PHD Student at SOAS University in London
Attending COP29 in Baku as an academic delegate was an eye-opening experience, offering a glimpse into the range of voices and perspectives shaping the global climate discourse.
The conference underscored both the power and the limitations of bringing together individuals from vastly different contexts, from grassroots activists to corporate leaders. While COP29 achieved some critical milestones, it also highlighted the pressing need for deeper, cross-sectoral dialogue to address the climate crisis inclusively and effectively.
Amplifying Grassroots Voices
One of the most inspiring aspects of COP29 was hearing directly from individuals living on the frontlines of climate change. Grassroots organisers and activists, particularly from the most climate-vulnerable regions, shared alarming accounts of how droughts, wildfires, floods, and biodiversity loss are reshaping their communities.
A Kenyan activist’s comment that “we are not even seeing butterflies here anymore” illustrated how climate change is eroding not only livelihoods but also the natural beauty and ecosystems that define local identities. These speakers called for urgent and equitable support—both financial and technical—from their governments and wealthier nations.
Indigenous groups also brought a powerful message to the table, emphasising the vital role their traditional knowledge can play in climate management. As custodians of biodiversity, their expertise in sustainable land stewardship is an invaluable resource, and yet, their voices remain underrepresented in global decision-making.
There were also powerful testimonies from countries experiencing genocide, which drew connections between systemic oppression, environmental degradation, and climate vulnerability. These accounts underscored the importance of addressing the intertwined crises of social and environmental justice.
The Push for Carbon Markets and Climate Financing
The technical discussions at COP29 prompted developments in areas like carbon markets and climate finance. A major breakthrough was achieved with the advancement of Article 6.4, which establishes a centralised carbon market under the UN framework. This has been years in the making and offers promising pathways for scaling up climate mitigation through projects like forest management.
However, not everyone was enthusiastic. Indigenous speakers described carbon markets as “false solutions” and warned of potential land conflicts. Similarly, academic discussions highlighted the hidden social costs of some nature-based solutions. While forests play a critical role in carbon sequestration, scaling up these projects without addressing land rights risks exacerbating inequalities and displacing already marginalised communities.
On climate finance, COP29 celebrated a goal of $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries. Yet, this announcement quickly became a flashpoint of contention. Many developing nations argued the figure was insufficient, pointing to a need for over $1 trillion to adequately address their challenges. This disagreement left COP29 ending on a divided note, with dissatisfaction lingering among those most in need of support.
Lessons and Calls to Action
Several key takeaways emerged from COP29. First, carbon markets must prioritise equity by incorporating land rights and avoiding displacement of vulnerable populations. Second, climate finance mechanisms need to be more accessible and empowering. As Joshua Amponsem from Green Africa Youth Organization put it,
developing countries should be entrusted to manage climate funds directly. Laurel Kivuyo from Climate Hub Tanzania echoed this, likening current barriers to “climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with no gear.”
Their perspectives reflect a broader call for simpler, more inclusive financing systems that do not marginalise those they are meant to help.
Breaking the Silos at COP30
While COP29 succeeded in convening diverse stakeholders, the conversations often felt siloed. Grassroots activists were not always present in discussions with corporate leaders focused on market-driven solutions, and Indigenous scholars often operated in separate spheres from technical negotiators.
For COP30 in Belém, the challenge will be to bridge these divides. To achieve truly integrative solutions, we must foster dialogue between groups that do not typically engage with each other. Encouraging business leaders to attend grassroots panels or Indigenous-led discussions, and vice versa, could help build empathy and foster innovative, collaborative solutions.
Ultimately, COP30 must strive to go beyond providing a platform for voices to be heard. It should create spaces where genuine, cross-sectoral conversations occur—conversations that lead to actionable outcomes for both people and the planet. By breaking echo chambers and amplifying unheard perspectives, we can work toward a more unified and effective response to the climate crisis.
