No Objection to New Collective Quantified Goal at COP29: Insights…

The COP29 climate talks in Baku concluded with the establishment of a New Collective Quantified Goal aiming for $300 billion annually for climate action by 2035, despite pushback from countries like India. Azerbaijani negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev asserted there were no formal objections and emphasized the inclusivity of the negotiation process. Some officials, however, criticized how the final decision was handled, raising questions about the consolidation of diverse interests.

The climate negotiations at COP29 in Baku witnessed no formal objections concerning the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), as stated by Yalchin Rafiyev, the lead negotiator for Azerbaijan. His remarks follow reports that the event concluded amidst tensions, primarily due to India’s denunciation of what it perceived as a manipulated climate finance agreement.

During these negotiations, India requested the opportunity to voice its objections before the NCQG decision was finalized, yet such a request was not accommodated. Consequently, the NCQG was established, aiming for at least $300 billion annually by 2035 for climate actions in developing countries, placing responsibility on developed nations to lead contributions. India’s discontent was echoed by various developing nations and groups, highlighting concerns regarding the priorities represented in the decision.

Despite this backlash, Rafiyev contended that all parties involved had acceptable terms prior to the adoption of the NCQG. He noted, “We have not seen any party until the last moment and even after the adoption that wanted to object the decision.” He underscored that the process was characterized by inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for all nations to contribute to discussions and consensus-building throughout the two-week summit.

Indian officials expressed concerns regarding procedural oversight during the closing session, asserting that their delegation had already registered objections before the proposal’s approval. Rafiyev acknowledged the complex backdrop against which COP29 was held, citing significant political changes in 60 nations as influencing climate action perspectives. He emphasized that collaborative efforts yielded agreements on the NCQG as well as other pivotal decisions.

Addressing the shift in global leadership on climate matters, Rafiyev recognized both the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the emerging roles of the UK and China in climate negotiations. He affirmed the NCQG’s target as a collective commitment that would extend beyond individual political cycles, asserting the necessity of a multilateral approach in tackling climate challenges. The goal’s increase from $250 billion to $300 billion was emphasized as a result of concerted efforts by the COP29 presidency, highlighting that this figure is indicative of ongoing commitments rather than a comprehensive solution to the climate crisis.

In conclusion, discussions at COP29 culminated in the establishment of a New Collective Quantified Goal aiming for significant financial contributions towards climate action. While there were expressions of discontent from some nations such as India, the lead negotiator contended that the result was a collective agreement beneficial for all parties. This highlights ongoing challenges in achieving consensus in climate negotiations, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in discussions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com