DAY1
NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN AMIDST DELAYS AND ANTICIPATION
Criticism of UAE NDC: While it demonstrated some progress, accusations of "greenwashing" arose due to its reliance on fossil fuel exports and offsetting.
Good News:
- Article 6 : After years of gridlock, the draft text for Article 6.4 was adopted, enabling countries to move forward on detailed negotiations on carbon markets.
- Global Engagement: Despite disagreements, over 80 national leaders gathered, showcasing commitment to climate action.
Bad News:
Agenda Delays: Formal negotiations were stalled until late evening due to disagreements on the UAE Global Stocktake’s placement under the finance agenda, reflecting ongoing North-South tensions.
Leaders Missing: Absence of key G7 leaders (e.g., Biden, Macron, Xi) sent a weak signal of commitment from developed countries.
DAY2
WORLD LEADERS CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT (WLCAS)
Headline-Grabbing Moment
Peace & Climate: Geopolitical issues (e.g., Palestine) featured prominently in speeches, with calls to end conflicts as a precondition for collective climate action.
Good News
- Finance Innovation: The Coalition for Solidarity Levies gained five new members and proposed raising $350 billion annually through levies on shipping, aviation, and fossil fuel extraction.
- UK Leadership: Announced an ambitious NDC to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035 from 1990 levels.
Bad News:
- NCQG Gridlock: Negotiations on the New Collective Quantified Goal stalled due to entrenched positions, slowing progress on essential finance mechanisms.
- Civil Society Concerns: Activists raised alarms over repression at climate summits and urged future presidencies to prioritize inclusivity.
DAY3
TURNING COMMITMENTS INTO ACTION
Headline-Grabbing Moment
Azerbaijan’s Provocation: President Aliyev accused “Western fake media” of spreading false information, sparking diplomatic tensions and the withdrawal of France’s Environment Minister
Good News:
- Brazil's NDC Progress: Brazil officially communicated its enhanced NDC to the UNFCCC, signaling momentum from the incoming COP30 Presidency.
- High Ambition Coalition Revival: A new statement from 25 countries committed to a strong COP29 outcome, reinforcing multilateralism.
Bad News:
- Finance Slowdown: Adaptation Fund contributions fell significantly short of the $300M target, jeopardizing support for vulnerable countries.
- Draft Length Issues: Co-chairs’ 34-page draft on NCQG negotiations frustrated parties, leading to criticism over inefficiency.
DAY4
FINANCE DAY WITHOUT THE FUNDS
Headline-Grabbing Moment
Carbon Management Concerns: Controversy around the Ministerial on Carbon Management highlighted disagreements over its role in climate solutions.
Good News:
- Transparency Talks Progress: Informal sessions tackled transparency in finance, focusing on enhancing access and addressing systemic barriers.
- New Reports on Climate Finance: IHLEG’s flagship report and progress on Global Solidarity Levies were published, offering innovative solutions.
Bad News:
Underwhelming Finance Day: Only $61 million in pledges for the Adaptation Fund left it $239 million short, underscoring gaps in finance ambition.
Adaptation Gridlock: Discussions on National Adaptation Plans collapsed under Rule 16, deferring decisions to future sessions.
