As the global climate crisis deepened each passing day, 2024 proved pivotal in the fight against climate change.
Throughout the year, nations convened in high-stakes Conferences of the Parties (COP) events coming together under the banner of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
These conferences set the stage for transformative decisions on climate financing, mitigation strategies, adaptation plans, and the operationalization of global frameworks like the Loss and Damage Fund.
This year's COP events focused on ensuring climate resilience, limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and mobilizing resources to support vulnerable countries grappling with the climate emergency.
COP29, the latest climate action event, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasized the need for substantial financial commitments to support developing nations and further the Paris Agreement's objectives.
Key outcomes included discussions on a new climate finance goal and actionable strategies for reducing global emissions.
COP 29, Baku, Azerbaijan
COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024, was a significant gathering for addressing the escalating climate crisis.
World
leaders, environmental advocates, and industry experts convened to discuss key
global climate challenges and solutions.
One of the most critical areas of concern was climate finance.
Developing countries, particularly those in Africa and Asia, called for increased financial support to help them mitigate the impacts of climate change.
While developed nations pledged some funding, the discussions underscored the need for more robust financial commitments to meet the $100 billion annual target for climate finance.
The conference also focused on emission reductions, with many countries emphasizing the urgency of implementing national strategies for net-zero emissions by 2050.
The use of climate data and green technologies was another major topic, with a push to integrate advanced systems for tracking emissions and progress towards global goals.s
Adaptation and resilience came out among the key highlighted issues, especially for vulnerable nations bearing the brunt of climate impacts like flooding, droughts, and extreme weather events.
These nations called for international support to implement adaptation plans that would protect communities and economies.
COP29 was a step forward in recognizing the severity of climate change and the need for a unified, actionable response to ensure a sustainable future.
UNFCCC inter-sessional meetings, Bonn, Germany
In April 2024, the UNFCCC Intersessional Meetings, held in Bonn, Germany, focused on critical climate change issues.
Key discussions included the urgency of strengthening global Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to align with the Paris Agreement’s climate goals, particularly limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
A major concern raised during the meetings was the growing gap between current global emissions reduction commitments and the required pace to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.
Countries deliberated on improving transparency in reporting climate actions and financing to ensure better accountability.
The meeting also highlighted the need for developing nations to boost the implementation of their climate plans with enhanced financial and technical support, addressing the challenges in meeting both short-term and long-term climate targets.
The outcomes stressed the importance of robust international collaboration, including the integration of climate finance and technology transfer mechanisms, to ensure global equity in climate action.
The Africa Climate Summit and the Climate and Clean Air Conference Nairobi, Kenya 2024
Kenya hosted two crucial climate events in 2024 that brought global attention to Africa’s climate challenges and solutions.
The Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi in September 2024 focused on enhancing Africa's role in the global climate response, emphasizing the continent's vulnerability to climate change despite its minimal contribution to global emissions.
Key concerns included financing climate adaptation and resilience projects, the urgent need for clean energy infrastructure, and addressing climate-induced displacement.
Earlier in the year, the Climate and Air Conference, held on February 21 and 22 2024, also in Nairobi, gathered stakeholders to discuss the intertwined issues of climate change and air pollution.
Critical discussions centred on the health impacts of air pollution, particularly in urban areas, and the need for stronger air quality regulations.
The conference also highlighted the importance of improving public awareness and cooperation to reduce emissions and protect air quality.
