Climate Horizons’ Post

In short, #COP29 delivered less than humanity needs. Politically, the outcomes fell short of the #ambition required to tackle the human-caused #climate crisis. While progress was made - such as securing $300 billion per year in climate finance by 2035, and approving Article 6 - this is far from the $1.3 trillion per year that experts deem necessary. Also, no mentions of phasing out fossil fuels. This is a stark reminder of how our global #economic system prioritizes short-term profits over systemic #cooperation for our species' evolution. 📈 Looking ahead to #COP30 in Belém, Brazil will have a key role in raising ambition and ensuring real, actionable #commitments. With the Amazon forest at the center of global discussions, the focus must shift from incremental steps to securing true climate #justice through stronger financing and concrete outcomes. It’s time to discuss #implementation and results, rather than only commitments. 👥 On a personal level, the power of human #connections made COP29 unique for me. Meeting people from across the globe, each contributing in their unique way to a sustainable #future, was very inspiring. Most are not directly involved in negotiations, but actively engaging in panels, workshops, and dialogues on how to drive progress on the ground, despite the systemic, economic challenges. 🌱 On #food systems, some of the most insightful discussions took place at the Action On Food Pavilion and the FAO Pavilion. Topics ranged from ensuring #farmers' role in a just transition, to financing agricultural innovation and addressing the critical role of food systems in climate #mitigation and #adaptation for more #resilient value chains. It was an honor to exchange ideas with key people like Dr Susan Chomba, Merijn Dols, Helena Van Tichelen, and many others making progress in this space. While the political stage moves slowly, the energy and commitment of those on the ground keeps the #hope alive. Let’s keep pushing for systemic changes from all angles, all together, all at once.

Driving a sustainable and equitable future for Africa at #COP29, Olympus Manthata our Head of Climate Finance, will be participating at the Industrial Development Corporation panel discussion titled Implementation of IDC’s Sustainable Industrial Pathways: Developing a Pipeline of Projects for a Just Transition. The session seeks to address the implementation complexities of industrial pathways for a Just Transition, focusing on South Africa’s journey for net zero by 2050. Olympus will share insights on overcoming the challenges associated with scaling sustainable industrial projects and how public-private collaboration, play a pivotal role in expediting an eco-system support towards a green industry across priority sectors. DBSA is committed to fostering partnerships and developing innovative solutions that support Africa’s sustainable development goals and a climate-resilient future. #COP29 #SAatCOP29 #NBICOP29 #NBIJustTransition

#COP16 👟 #COP29 reflections via a dedicated #PRIinPerson session. 🐦 My time in #Cali confirmed the lessons from this panel at PRI in Person, signalling the critical role of #investors and #businesses in the #COP discussions and ultimate agreements. It was great to be part of the 100+ Principles for Responsible Investment delegation and of the general enthusiasm that I heard from the business community, despite the mixed results of the official negotiations. The investors there are taking Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) seriously (hitting now the 500 adopter mark) and they are engaging companies across a number of #biodiversity initiatives. We are still at the beginning at the journey, but progress is being made. 🎵 As I prepare to go to #Baku, #COP29 is facing strong tailwinds. It seems that the #salsa COP is handing over to the #mugham COP.  Unlike Colombia’s salsa’ joyful rhythm, Azerbaijan’s mugham music tells stories about struggle and sometimes sorrow, symbolizing a more sceptical or cautious view of the next #climatechange COP achievements. 📢 My hope is that the investor community on the ground in Baku (even if only the 10% that raised their hand at PRI in Person) can voice loudly where countries, as well as businesses and investors, need to step up. Nathan Fabian, James Alexander, Amy D'Eugenio, Kyung-Ah Park and Layalee Ramahi did a great job highlighting the outcomes we need. 💪 COP29 is the finance COP. I look forward to working with #institutionalinvestors in Baku to promote progress, leveraging on the recommendations coming from the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance PIVOT report to be launched there. After all mugham is also about resilience! Mugham intro video: https://lnkd.in/dwT_iwBr Tamsin Ballard, Rose Easton, Cambria Allen Ratzlaff, Rebecca Chapman, David Atkin, Sherry Madera, Will Martindale, Magda Davila Vicente, Joana Paredes Alves, Sagarika Chatterjee, Eline S., Bettina Reinboth, Nico Fettes, Patricia Pina, Curtis File, Pietro Bertazzi, Tom Willman, Gina Gambetta, Elza Holmstedt Pell

🌎 **Standing Together for Climate Action at COP29**   This week, the world will unite at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP) to confront the most urgent sustainability challenges of our time. Governments alone cannot bear this responsibility. It's on business leaders, like us at SAP, to commit strategically and financially to net zero.   We believe in the power of technology and innovation to accelerate the green and digital transition. Artificial Intelligence, data-driven solutions, and coherent policies are crucial for meeting climate goals effectively.   As we gather for #COP29, SAP is eager to collaborate with the global community to forge a sustainable future for all. Together, we can create meaningful change and deliver on our shared aspirations.   📖 **Read more** about the importance of data-driven solutions and international cooperation in addressing climate change in Tim Clark's insightful article (Link in the comments).   Join us at #COP29 to collectively stand and deliver. Together, we can make a profound difference.   #SAPSustainability #ClimateAction COP29 Azerbaijan, Gunther Rothermel, Sophia Leonora Mendelsohn, Matthias Medert, Daniel Schmid, Alicia Lenze, Manuel Gerres

How can investors demonstrate credible action to drive a #netzero, #climate resilient and nature positive future? As #PRIinPerson comes to a close, and with #COP16 and #COP29 just around the corner, that very complicated question is on the minds of many investors. Lorenzo Saa attended one of the final sessions of the conference to hear from James Alexander, Amy D'Eugenio, Kyung-Ah Park, Layalee Ramahi, and Nathan Fabian on how investors can find the answers and achieve ambitious #sustainability goals. The key takeaways: 1. Investor-Policymaker Engagement: There is a critical need for institutional investors to engage more with policymakers to drive financial flows necessary to meet ambitious climate and biodiversity goals. However, current engagement levels are low. 2. The "PIVOT" Report’s Guidance: The report presented by James Alexander offered guidance by emphasizing addressing policy gaps, aligning self-interest with sustainability goals, improving valuation methods, enhancing ownership and stewardship of assets for sustainability, and transition misalignment. 3. Tyranny of Targets: Focusing solely on meeting targets without considering how to bring the community along or enabling proper transitions can lead to failure in achieving long-term sustainability goals. Thanks to Principles for Responsible Investment and to all the speakers for another great session. See you at COP16 Colombia and COP29 Azerbaijan! #PazConLaNaturaleza | #COP29Azerbaijan

Reflecting on #COP29's Transport Day this week, I'm left with two distinct yet conflicting feelings: optimism and concern. I'm optimistic for the #globaltransition towards advanced and environmentally friendly #transportation systems for several reasons: Transport Decarbonisation: It remains central on the global climate agenda, aiming for a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050. While COP29 didn’t introduce major changes to existing policies, the focus on #sustainableinnovation signals potential reinvention in mobility—a vision embedded in @Formula E's ethos. Innovation: Discussions went beyond electrification, exploring #renewablefuels, zero-emission zones, and gender-transformative transport systems. These efforts reflect a holistic #sustainability approach central to Formula E’s strategy where diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are as vital as environmental goals. Aviation and Maritime Sectors: These industries hold significant opportunities for decarbonisation. Our work with @DHL demonstrates huge progress, including sustainable air freight solutions and leveraging Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Climate Finance: Promising debates on funding mechanisms highlighted support for the Global South’s decarbonisation needs. At Formula E's “Change. Accelerated. Live” events, we actively explore scalable climate finance solutions to advance sport and mobility. Despite the positives, I have some growing concerns: Public-Private Disconnect: There’s a critical need for stronger collaboration between organisations and governments to achieve climate targets. Formula E is committed to bridging this gap by engaging city leaders and showcasing sustainable innovations that align with public sector goals. Fragmented Global Leadership: National priorities increasingly overshadow international collaboration amidst economic and political instability. While localised approaches are essential, unity is crucial. Formula E tailors sustainability programs for each host city, leaving a meaningful legacy for local communities through our Better Futures Fund among many other team-lead programmes. COP29 underscores the urgency of accelerated global cooperation. It also highlights how collective focus can drive sustainable progress. As an organisation racing against the climate challenge, Formula E remains committed to uniting sectors, stakeholders, and nations to advance clean transport technologies. Do you think the annual COPs are fit for purpose? What else can we do to ensure global engagement in the fight against climate change? #COP29 #changeaccelerated #sustainability Formula E

This week nearly 200 world leaders are meeting at the #COP29 summit in Baku, focused on funding a global transition to cleaner energy sources and limiting the climate damage caused by carbon emissions. An opportunity to talk about climate change and its impact, and businesses' responsibility to act. Unilever has raised our ambition on climate action – to hit our science-based targets and achieve our net zero ambition, we’re zeroing in on areas where we can make the biggest impact in the coming years. We’re calling on governments at #COP29 to set strong and effective National Determined Contributions (NDCs) to speed up the transition to a net zero economy. It’s crucial that they also agree on the necessary financing to make these NDCs a reality. It’s time for governments and businesses to join forces. By creating enabling plans and policies within their NDCs, governments can help companies like Unilever accelerate decarbonisation across our value chains. And businesses, including us, must show our commitment through our investments and actions. Together, we can scale solutions and drive meaningful change. Let’s make it happen🌱 #Climate #COP29 #Summit #ClimateChange #UniquelyUnilever Read more here: https://lnkd.in/edWtE6U5

At #COP29, Asia Guerreschi, a circular economy researcher from Italy, highlights two key pillars for a sustainable transition: know-how and funding. 🌍 She emphasises tailoring strategies to each country's unique challenges and ensuring firms are equipped to transition seamlessly. With #COP29Finance taking centre stage, she stresses the need for inclusive policies that support labour transitions and empower businesses to embrace circular practices. Stay tuned for more on the groundbreaking solutions shaping our climate future! 🌱✨ #CircularEconomy #SustainableEconomy #ClimateAction #COP29Azerbaijan #EverythingForTomorrow

#COP29: A Call to Action for #EquitableClimateResilience As #COP29 begins, it’s essential to underscore the profound importance of #CarbonFinancing in supporting a #ClimateResilient future. Our approach to #ClimateResilience must be comprehensive and inclusive, fostering #SustainableDevelopment across communities. Addressing the intertwined issues of #GenderEquality and #Innovation is essential for fulfilling this year’s theme, “Investing in a #LivablePlanet for All.” The discussions at #COP29 will focus on establishing a new global #ClimateFinance target, moving beyond the previous $100 billion goal. Forecasts indicate that #DevelopingNations may require between $500 billion and $1 trillion annually to build climate resilience and reduce emissions. To truly harness the transformative potential of these funds, we must establish #InclusivePolicies that ensure equitable access to climate finance, enabling #SustainableInnovation and impactful climate solutions. One of the most crucial areas for action is closing the #GenderGap in climate-focused sectors. Promoting #GenderEquality and #SocialInclusion (#GESI) policies can break down barriers, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise into the climate conversation, which will ultimately strengthen global resilience efforts. These policies are fundamental to building a resilient, inclusive global community. At #COP29, as global leaders work to advance the goals of the #UNFCCC and the #ParisAgreement, we must advocate for a #PolicyFramework that prioritizes innovation-driven growth and equal access to climate finance. Such a framework will empower communities to lead in climate resilience, charting a sustainable, inclusive path forward. With #COP29 in Baku, the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) team—represented by myself and STEPHEN ANNAN. CGMA, ACMA, MBA, BBA Annan, CGMA, ACMA, MBA, BBA,—is positioned to engage in meaningful dialogues and push for impactful policies centered on #GenderEquity, #Innovation, and sustainable development. Let us make #COP29 a decisive step toward a truly #LivablePlanet for all.

As #COP29 enters its final week, I find myself reflecting on the vital role we all play in addressing climate change and advancing sustainability. In the consulting industry—I’ve seen firsthand how strategic partnerships and innovative thinking can drive meaningful environmental impact. The World is advancing, from harnessing cutting-edge technologies to optimising energy efficiency to embedding sustainable practices in client engagements, leaders are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for a greener future.🌍 🌱 But the journey doesn’t stop there. It’s also about the small, consistent actions we must take every day to reduce our environmental footprint and inspire those around us to do the same. Remember, every idea, every innovation, and every commitment brings us closer to a sustainable future and together, we are stronger, bolder and can lead the way in redefining what’s possible for our planet and future generations. #GreenerTogether #Sustainability #ClimateAction Polly Dennison #COP29