COP29 in Azerbaijan struggles to reach climate finance deal as key leaders miss conference
Nearly 50,000 attendees from 200 countries gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, aiming to secure a climate finance deal. The conference has faced challenges, including poor attendance from major world leaders and ongoing negotiations over funding that extended beyond the scheduled end date. A draft agreement proposed $250 billion annually by 2035 from wealthy nations to poorer ones, significantly less than the $1 trillion per year requested by developing countries. The absence of key leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, has dampened the conference's impact. The discussions have highlighted frustrations among smaller nations affected by climate change, particularly regarding financial responsibilities. The presence of the Taliban from Afghanistan marked a notable first, as the country faces severe climate vulnerabilities amid ongoing economic challenges.