COP29: World leaders meet in Azerbaijan as UN climate talks begin | BBC News

Overview

Leaders and delegates are gathering in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, described as the most important international climate event Azerbaijan has hosted. Coverage notes that preparations are extensive, and that more than 100 world leaders are expected to attend.

A key backdrop is a worsening climate outlook: scientists say 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, increasing pressure for urgent action.

Main focus: Climate finance (“the money cop”)

The central negotiations focus on financial commitments from richer countries to poorer countries. Current funding is cited at around $100 billion per year, with hopes it will rise to hundreds of billions, potentially over $1 trillion annually.

Developing countries want much larger sums to support both:

• Adapting to climate impacts
• Transitioning away from fossil fuels

Activists and commentators argue the summit must deliver collective progress to keep warming within 1.5°C.

Uncertainty over the United States’ role

Reporting highlights concern that the United States may reduce or withdraw from parts of the UN talks, particularly amid political change. Donald Trump is referenced as a climate skeptic and as having said he would pull out of a key element of the process.

The potential reduction in US engagement is framed as a risk to climate action for years: less funding could weaken the ambition of other countries.

EU and regional dynamics

In an interview, Pierre Jean Claus (EU climate ambassador) says the EU hopes for “meaningful solutions,” especially around:

• Adaptation
• Transparency
• Financial mechanisms to support global climate action

He also argues that Trump’s election could contribute to the rise of regional blocs rather than unified, “follow-the-leader” US climate engagement. Claus stresses that COP negotiations should not become polarized, saying dialogue and structured negotiation—not division—are central to COP.

Developing countries: voice, support, and loss & damage

A further challenge is ensuring developing nations have:

• a strong voice in negotiations, and
• adequate financial support for climate-proofing and loss and damage

The interview suggests some countries (including those referenced in South Asia) feel they are not receiving enough support. Claus emphasizes the responsibility of the richest countries to actively provide funding and resources related to loss and damage.

He also highlights the need for COP29 to build a successful pathway beyond other recent UN processes that faced criticism (for example, biodiversity outcomes after COP16).

The clip ends with mention that COP29’s president (and Azerbaijan’s finance minister), MTAR Babayev, is expected to speak shortly.

Presenters / contributors

• Justin Roland — BBC climate editor
• Pierre Jean Claus — EU climate pact / climate ambassador
• BBC News — live scene (COP29 president expected to speak: MTAR Babayev)