Major polluters skip UN climate talks as focus shifts to climate finance

At the UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, leaders from major polluting countries, including China, the U.S., India, and Indonesia, are absent. These nations contribute over 70% of global carbon emissions and represent more than 42% of the world's population. Despite the absence of key leaders, the conference features notable figures like U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced an ambitious emissions reduction target. Smaller nations, particularly those vulnerable to climate change, are also actively participating in discussions. The main focus of the talks is climate finance, with developing countries demanding up to $1.3 trillion annually to transition away from fossil fuels and address climate impacts. Negotiations are ongoing, with the G77 and China bloc pushing for stronger commitments from wealthier nations.