Jakarta—Civil society organisations regret the outcome of the 29th Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Instead of achieving concrete solutions to address the climate crisis, developed countries are considered to have neglected their funding pledges and emission reduction commitments. This failure can potentially exacerbate the threat of climate change, especially for developing countries and vulnerable communities.
Executive Director of Yayasan Pikul, Torry Kuswardono, in a press conference on Monday, December 2, called on the government to stop climate-based debt schemes and immediately pass the Climate Justice Act. “We need regulations that protect environmental rights and put climate justice as a top priority,” he said.
“Negotiations at COP29 did not show significant steps forward. Climate finance commitments promised by developed countries have not been realised, while emission reduction targets have missed expectations,” he said.
The global target of keeping the earth’s temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius seems increasingly difficult to achieve. Data shows that 78 major global companies, mostly from the US, China, and the Middle East, are responsible for 70 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
“The impacts are already visible. Island nations like Indonesia face a direct threat from rising sea levels. BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) projects that 115 small and medium-sized islands in Indonesia are at risk of submergence by 2100,” Torry added.
Since the previous COP, developed countries have pledged to provide USD 300 billion to support climate change adaptation and mitigation. However, the realisation of this funding has been unclear until now. The larger target of USD 1.3 trillion by 2035 will burden developing countries through debt schemes.
“Instead of providing direct support, developed countries tend to push carbon markets as a solution. This scheme often ignores the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities,” explained ICEL’s Head of Environmental Governance Division, Syaharani. According to her, the carbon market benefits large corporations more than helping developing countries deal with climate change.
In addition to the lack of clear funding, the meeting failed to set concrete steps to support the energy transition in developing countries. Armayanti Sanusi, chairperson of Solidaritas Perempuan, stated that without clear funding, it is difficult for developing countries to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.
“The debt funds offered by developed countries increase the fiscal burden. In fact, communities such as farmers, fishermen, and indigenous peoples need adaptation support to survive,” Armayanti explained. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: IISD/ENB | Mike Muzurakis
