Activists protest COP29 demanding urgent climate action News
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Activists protest COP29 demanding urgent climate action

Hundreds of activists on Saturday formed a human chain outside a main plenary hall at the United Nations climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, to highlight the urgency of addressing climate change and to protest slow progress on climate action.

The protesters aimed to draw attention to the slow progress in negotiations regarding financial commitments for climate action. Activists waved flags and engaged in a silent protest, covering their mouths with the word “silenced,” symbolizing their frustration with the ongoing talks. They held signs demanding increased funding for transitioning to clean energy and adapting to climate change as negotiators struggled to reach an agreement on financial support for developing countries.

Activists expressed determination despite their skepticism about the negotiations’ outcomes. Lidy Nacpil, a coordinator with the Asian People’s Movement on Debt and Development, emphasized the necessity of increasing pressure on negotiators, stating that while they may not achieve all desired results this round, their efforts are crucial for future progress. Tasneem Essop, the executive director of Climate Action Network International, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of fighting for those already suffering from climate impacts.

This demonstration coincided with a global “day of action” for climate justice, an annual event where actions are echoed worldwide to demand urgent climate action and accountability from wealthier nations.

According to a number of experts, at least $1 trillion annually is necessary to address the damages caused by climate-related disasters and to support a transition to renewable energy sources. However, wealthier nations have yet to specify their financial commitments, leaving developing countries concerned about the adequacy of proposed funds.

COP29 refers to the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This annual summit gathers representatives from nearly 200 nations to discuss and negotiate strategies for addressing climate change. The primary focus of COP29 is on financial commitments, particularly how wealthier countries can support developing nations in transitioning away from fossil fuels and adapting to climate impacts.

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