COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev warned that current global policies could lead to a three-degree Celsius rise in temperatures, with severe consequences for billions. He called for immediate action and cooperation to address the climate crisis, emphasizing that COP29 represents a critical juncture for the Paris Agreement and the future of global climate efforts.
At the opening session of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev emphasized the alarming findings of the UN Environment Program, which predicts that current global policies will lead to an increase in global temperatures of three degrees Celsius. He expressed that such a rise would have catastrophic repercussions for billions of people, urging immediate and decisive action to combat the looming climate crisis. He lamented that the effects of climate change are already visible, citing recent tragedies such as the devastating floods in Spain and the severe wildfires in Australia. Babayev declared COP29 as a pivotal moment for the Paris Agreement, remarking that no single nation can tackle this crisis alone. He highlighted that the voices of those suffering from climate change demand more than sympathy; they require strong leadership and action. Babayev called for enhanced ambition and collective efforts to pave the way toward a sustainable future, insisting that the time for action is now. Historically, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has established a critical foundation for international climate negotiations, resulting in significant agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. With 198 countries involved, this year’s conference places a renewed focus on actionable commitments and innovative financing to effectively address the climate crisis.
The UN Climate Change Conferences, initiated in 1994, serve as global platforms for nations to assess climate change progress and negotiate agreements to mitigate its effects. The framework has led to landmark agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, establishing binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each year, representatives from participating nations convene to deliberate on urgent climate actions, with the need for increased ambition becoming ever more critical as the impacts of climate change escalate worldwide.
In summary, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev’s statements at the conference underscore the pressing reality of climate change and the urgent need for global action to avert catastrophic consequences. As current policies threaten a disastrous temperature rise of three degrees Celsius, collaborative leadership will be essential to mitigate the impacts felt by vulnerable communities. The conference represents a crucial opportunity to redefine commitments to environmental sustainability and push for effective solutions to combat climate change.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
