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COP 29 finished last weekend and many were disappointed. This post is not about the outcome of COP 29, it is about resilience, people and hope. - Resilience: we are in this for the long run. When I joined the climate movement, I knew of the uphill battle we had ahead of us. Climate is about development, it is about industry, food, mobility and people's lives. We are working to reduce our reliance on fossil based feedstocks for energy, fuel, industry and materials. It is hard, messy because we are challenging some of the foundations of the current economic and financial structures. Transition is already happening, but it is really messy and it is not happening fast enough. Moving forward, with all the global political turmoil, we will need to be more sophisticated and up our game in the political economy of change to know the winners, the loser and how to manage the trade-offs. - People: it is about the people. Yes, there are more than 65000 people at COP 29. Every single conference feels like there are more and more people. More lobbyist and also more change activists. Paris Agreement was a huge deal, it gave the world a global frameworks and provided clear direction of travel for all the players in the energy, food and material systems to reduce GHG emission and decarbonise. The job is now with implementation, in private sector, in private finance and with the people who work in these institutions. At the COP corridors, people were energised about innovations, solutions and roles of private sectors. In private meetings, we kept each other going, held the safe space for moments of despair and also for new found sense of possibilities in partnerships.   - Hope: translated in this picture. My favourite panel had a group of amazing, courageous and visionary Latin American leaders that carried the climate agenda. @PatriciaEspinosa, Climate COP16 President in Cancun, @ManuelPulgarVidal, Climate COP 20 in Lima, Gonzalo Muñoz Abogabir CMG, COP25 Champion for Chile and Izabella Monica Teixeira (She/Her), former Minister of Environment of Brazil, a key Paris agreement architect. They spoke about how vision, hope and resilience kept them going. They shared anecdotes of how they encountered intractable barriers and still delivered outcomes. I had tears in my eyes and found inspiration and hope. Yes, it feels really difficult and hard right now. Even with the disappointing results, every little step matters. I still feel hopeful, because when things are tough, I always remember what Bill Sharpe says, we find hope within ourselves, rooted in our purpose. I find courage as I remind myself why I do it, I find inspiration in amazing people I work with, and I find joy with friends with whom I share laughter and tears as we battle together.

🌍 COP29 - Revisiting COP and its importance 🌍   ⚠️ With #COP29 underway today in Baku, Azerbaijan, it's easy to get lost in the buzz of the mega-event. But it's also important to remind ourselves what the event is, why it is important, and its relevance to global climate actions.   ✔️ The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Through the work of this UN body that coordinates global action on climate change, COP events encourage Parties (UN Member States) to commit to take voluntary actions to prevent dangerous anthropogenic (i.e., caused by humans) interference with the climate system.   ➡️ In its annual summit, world leaders, scientists, activists, and industry experts gather to tackle one of the biggest challenges of our time - climate change. All Member States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the COP, at which they report on progress on climate action implementation, set intermediate goals, make agreements to share scientific and technological knowledge for global benefit, negotiate policy deals and adopt legal instruments to promote the effective implementation of the UNFCCC (UN Climate Change).   ❓ Why is it so important? ❓ Attention to such COP events is highly warranted. This is where critical decisions are made on global efforts to protect our planet, drive sustainable development, and promote renewable energy to aid in the global energy transition. Initiatives like the Paris Agreement, aimed to keep global temperature rise below 2°C, were born here. Discussions and commitments made at COP shape the future for all of us. COP decisions indicate a level of consensus, with large countries (US, China) getting the same voting rights as smaller ones.   From the first COP in Berlin in 1995 to COP29 in Baku, we have come a long way. But there is a much longer way to go. Let's see how COP29 unfolds and discuss its implications.   #COP #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ClimateChange #SustainableFuture #ESG #ClimateChange #GlobalSouth #Development #SustainableDevelopment #SDGs #UNSDGs #Environment #ClimateChange #ClimateMitigation #ClimateAdaptation #ClimateFinance #DevelopmentFinance #SustainableFinance #GreenFinance #Decarbonisation #FossilFuels #NetZero #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #GreenTech #GreenInnovation #COP29 #Baku #Azerbaijan

🌏 COP29 In the Rearview 🌏 It’s been almost a week since I left Baku and headed to the Republic of North Macedonia (more on the Western Balkans project in the next post).  Given the outcomes of COP have already been widely discussed and digested, let me share what hit home. 🎯 Policy and politics are driving both the headwinds and tailwinds we are facing: Results at COP reflect the external political and policy environment, they don’t create it.  Where we are seeing progress we have a strengthened enabling environment to thank for it.  The movement of companies to roll up their sleeves, measure their impact and change their business models is being driven by the raft of new laws coming into effect in the EU (#CSRD and #CBAM) + countries (#ISSB) across the globe + California (#SB253 and #SB261). 🎯 Data transparency and accountability is key to winning hearts and minds: Let's wake up and smell the coffee. Large swaths of the public have a jaundiced view of big government and their trust in expertise is eroding. We have to move away from paternalistic, we will take care of it on your behalf, approaches.  Robust and accessible data and tangible benefits that come from the green transition is not only the purview of companies and investors - it must empower consumers as well. The good news is that there is so much great work being done - lots of programming on efforts to integrate data standards, drive rigor and innovate for traceability and examples of companies settling into GHG emissions reporting under new compliance regimes. Article 6 breakthroughs at the end of COP also create opportunities - if we do our work right -  to drive the creation of markets to drive deployment of new solutions and unlock climate finance. Thanks to the UNFCCC UN Global Innovation Hub, World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), Deloitte, Hedera and The HBAR Foundation, I had the opportunity to be part of panels and discussions where I got to talk with - and learn from - amazing leaders like Ovais Sarmad, Massamba Thioye, Hania Othman, Christopher Lilholm, Joel Onyango, Mardi McBrien, Ede Ijjasz-Vásquez, Arsalan Mahtafar,  Jim Andrew, Manish Pant, David Greenall, Sam King, Jonathan Rackoff, Freedom-Kai Phillips, Eva KAZANSKAIA, Hamid ABAKAR SOULEYMANE, Pourya Salehi, Marcelo Donnini Freire. #COP29 #ClimateFinance #ClimateAction #JustTransition #DataTransparency #CarbonMarkets

𝗕𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗚𝗼𝘁! Dismissal of the COP29 concessions made by the polluters and polluting nations is “irresponsible”.   “It would be so easy now, and so tempting, to dismiss #COP29 – or the entire COP process – as a failure”, said a prominent expert on sustainability business practices and advisor to the UNFCCC.  “Not only would that be intellectually lazy, but also irresponsible”, he continued.   With the advance of doubters and climate deniers and their enablers around the world, we should be indeed most thankful and humbly accept the concessions of the polluters and polluting nations.  We should stop being so critical and be satisfied with that! --- The BuildAction initiative (www.BuildAction.org) encourages the posting of observations and opinions in opposition to the merchants of doubt and climate deniers.  The initiative encourages the engagement of all stakeholder to support and protect their community.    Join us (https://lnkd.in/dbkQSrMF).  Participate, engage and make suggestions to save the world and to take the BuildAction initiative forward.   Take the initiative! Register (https://lnkd.in/dbkQSrMF) free.   If not now, when? If not us, who? Now it’s up to you! --- Author: Gregory Autin Source: SEEDIS Imagery: COP29 Azerbaijan, Shutterstock Contributor: Gregory Autin UNFCCC UN, UNDP #COP29 #Finance #GHG #Climate #Transition #Community #Solutions #Sustainability #Development #Protection https://lnkd.in/dRJUuv9Z   Like it? Say it (👍)! Click the image to see the posting:

𝗖𝗢𝗣𝟮𝟵: 𝗔 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻  From November 11-22, 2024, world leaders, policymakers, and climate advocates will gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29—a critical summit dubbed the "Finance COP." With escalating climate disasters and emissions peaking, this conference is a test of global resolve to move beyond promises and deliver tangible action. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝟮𝟵: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹: For the first time in 15 years, countries will set a new global finance target, replacing the $100 billion annual pledge from 2009. The stakes? Ensuring vulnerable nations receive support to accelerate their clean energy transitions and bolster climate resilience. The Philippines’ role as host for the Loss and Damage Fund Board highlights the urgent need for robust financial backing. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: With the 2025 NDC deadline approaching, countries like Brazil and the UK are expected to announce ambitious updates. Near-term targets for 2030 and commitments for 2035 are essential to limit warming to 1.5°C and avoid irreversible impacts. 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: COP29 will address the growing adaptation finance gap ($194-$366 billion annually). Building on the Global Goal on Adaptation from COP28, this summit aims to transition from planning to actionable national adaptation plans. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: As the first biennial transparency reports come due, COP29 is a chance to enhance trust and ensure nations are on track to meet their climate goals. The Baku Global Climate Transparency Platform signals a push for clearer, more comprehensive climate reporting. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱: COP29 unfolds amid concerns over Azerbaijan's human rights record, potentially limiting civic engagement. The importance of including voices from civil society, activists, and Indigenous leaders in these discussions cannot be overstated.  COP29 is a momentous opportunity. If leaders rise to the occasion—securing a finance plan that aligns ambition with action, driving stronger NDCs, and fostering genuine resilience—it could reshape climate action globally. But for many, it’s more than policy; it’s a lifeline. 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝘂 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝗣 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱? The world is watching. #COP29 #FinanceForClimate #COP29Baku #ClimateEquity #StandWithThePlanet #CarboBon

🌍 Key Highlights from COP29 - Day 5: 🌍 The Day 5 of COP29, Energy/Peace, Relief and Recovery Day, witnessed significant climate action: 1) #COP29 Presidency officially launches COP29 Energy Initiatives calling for endorsements for the COP29 #GlobalEnergyStorage and Grids Pledge, the COP29 Green Energy Zones and Corridors Pledge, and the COP29 #HydrogenDeclaration. 2) The Presidency, in collaboration with #Egypt, #Italy, #Germany, #Uganda, the #UnitedArabEmirates, and the #UnitedKingdom, launched the Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery—a milestone initiative aimed at addressing the urgent nexus of climate change, conflict, and humanitarian needs. 3) The representatives of international and national development finance institutions pledged their collective support for the 10 GW Lighthouse Initiative. This aims to foster collaboration towards bringing renewable hydrogen projects of between 100 MW and 1 GW in size in emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs) to Final Investment Decision (FID) stage by 2030. 4) #India, along with other developing countries at COP29 called for fair and effective climate finance agreements to support global climate action. Representing the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), India emphasized the need for equitable financial support from developed nations, spotlighting the burden placed on vulnerable economies. Let’s continue working together for urgent, impactful climate action! 🌱 Meet Mr. Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, CMAI and Ms. Ayushi Gaur, Sr. Assistant Secretary, CMAI at COP29 to discuss collaborations. CMAI will be at multiple forums, engaging in key discussions shaping the future of carbon markets and organizing side events in collaboration with top global forums. Kindly register here to schedule a meeting: https://lnkd.in/g7a2XAY6 #BuildingCarbonMarketsTogether Contact us at: secretary@cma-india.in Rohit Kumar Bikash Sahu Ayushi Gaur Sruthy Jacob Mohit Gautam Upansh Srivastava #COP29 #ClimateFinance #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Article6 #CarbonMarkets #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #GlobalClimateGoals #UNFCCC #GlobalCooperation #CarbonMarkets #Article6 #ParisAgreemen #GlobalSouth #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ClimateLeadership #GreenTransition #IndustryVoice #FutureOfCarbonMarkets #InclusiveClimateAction #VCM #VCMI #ICVCM #CCTS #ETS #Offset #SustainableDevelopment #PMO #MOP #MOEFCC #BEE #MOCI #MOPNG #CPCB #EPR

PerilScope: COP29 – Pledges and Pitfalls in the 3°C World COP29 concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, with an agreement on $300 billion annually for climate finance by 2035. A milestone? Maybe. A game-changer? Hardly. The $300B Elephant in the Room $300 billion—it sounds impressive but scratches the surface of what's truly needed. Developing nations know this—calling it inadequate is an understatement. It’s another ‘we’ll-pay-later’ pledge for crises happening now. Promises don’t rebuild homes after floods or save crops in a drought. Carbon Markets: Trading on Thin Ice Article 6 carbon markets? Sure, the framework is there, but without safeguards, it’s a greenwashing playground. Carbon credits shift responsibility without reducing emissions. In a 3°C trajectory, this feels like a high-stakes shell game. Fossil Fuels: The Unburnable Truth Phasing out fossil fuels? That discussion fizzled—predictably. Over 1,700 fossil fuel lobbyists ensured the final text had no teeth. The script hasn’t changed, and as long as oil giants are in the room, it won’t. Host with the Most? Azerbaijan hosting COP29—a top oil producer—is irony on a global stage. Add human rights controversies, and it’s clear this was more about optics than action. A cleaner future led by fossil fuel powerhouses? Unlikely. Sustainability vs Resilience The COP agenda remains trapped in incrementalism, clinging to sustainability goals that are no longer fit for purpose in a rapidly destabilizing climate. Sustainability is about maintaining balance, but the world has tipped over. Resilience, on the other hand, is about surviving the fall and adapting to stand again. Incremental solutions fail to address the compounding crises—they are too slow, too shallow, and too naive. We need a paradigm shift that prioritizes urgent resilience over gradual sustainability. The 3°C Perspective Incrementalism isn’t cutting it. Compromises delay action. At 3°C, the world doesn’t negotiate; it disrupts. We need bold policies, immediate funding, and true accountability. Where Do We Go From Here? If COP29 taught us anything, it’s this: Leaders aren’t here to save us. The 3°C World Strategic Risk Policy® urges systemic action. Citizens, corporations, and NGOs must lead—innovate faster, adapt smarter, and demand more. The climate crisis isn’t waiting, and neither should we. #ClimateAction #3CWorld #COP29 #Resilience #StrategicRisk

🌍 As COP29 commences in Baku, Azerbaijan, I am deeply concerned about the future of global climate commitments, especially following the re-election of President Trump in the U.S. His previous administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement raises apprehensions about the U.S.’s dedication to climate action. Adding to this, there are mounting concerns that Azerbaijan may be leveraging its COP29 presidency to secure oil and gas deals, potentially compromising the summit’s objectives. Reports indicate that certain officials may be facilitating fossil fuel agreements in exchange for sponsorships. This risks undermining the integrity of the COP process, which is meant to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, not entrench reliance on fossil fuels. We cannot allow bad actors to hijack the climate action agenda for short-term gains. This summit must focus on achieving real progress in reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems, and supporting vulnerable communities. Climate action is a shared, global responsibility, and we must hold all leaders accountable to it. In this critical moment, we call on the @UK Government to demonstrate unwavering leadership, setting a strong example by championing ambitious climate policies, driving meaningful change, and filling any gaps in commitment. The UK has the chance to be a force for integrity and decisive action at COP29. At Waste to Wonder Worldwide, we remain committed to supporting companies in achieving their sustainability goals. Our ethical office clearance and reuse solutions reduce waste, minimize carbon footprints, and redirect resources to communities in need. Annually, we divert nearly 3,000 tonnes of equipment from waste, partnering with forward-thinking organizations to ensure that unused assets contribute to a more sustainable and socially responsible world. Let’s use COP29 as a reminder that our planet’s future should never be up for negotiation. Now is the time to stand firm, lead with purpose, and push for collective action that transcends politics. Together, we can drive real impact—no matter the obstacles. #ClimateAction #COP29 #Sustainability #UKLeadership #WasteToWonder #NoPlanetB #ESG #RenewableEnergy #CircularEconomy #ProtectOurPlanet #Accountability #ClimateJustice #TogetherForClimate UNFCCC UN COP29 Azerbaijan United Nations Greenpeace WWF CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) UNEP-WCMC Social Enterprise UK

Insights from COP 29: Toward Sustainable Living Communities 💡 🌍 At COP 29 in Baku, we had the privilege of presenting INCLUDE’s key messages on Africa’s low-carbon transition during the side event "Towards Sustainable Living Communities." This session brought to life the mantra: Think globally, act locally. The discussion underscored a vital truth—our climate challenges are global, but solutions must be locally rooted. Communities must lead in shaping policies that reflect their unique needs, aspirations, and lived experiences. Here are three key takeaways from our presentation: 1️⃣ Diverse Stakeholder Perspectives are Necessary in Africa's Low-Carbon Transition 2️⃣ The Need for Balanced and Inclusive Policies 3️⃣ Recommendations for a Just and Inclusive Transition Find the detailed takeaways in the slide below. The future of Africa’s low-carbon transition lies in localizing solutions, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring that no one is left behind.  Let’s continue this dialogue at #COP29 and beyond—together, we can co-create a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. #ClimateAction #JustTransition #LowCarbonFuture #COP29 #SustainableLiving #AfricaForward

🌎 Can COP29 spur a new era of action? 🌏   Bold and decisive climate action demands new mindsets, business models and radical collaboration. This means coming together to share how sustainability ambitions are moving beyond strategy into real-world game-changing projects. At GHD, we call this Actualising Sustainability.   We know 'what' we have to do. It's time to focus on the 'how' to do it. Our on-the-ground COP29 delegation will be contributing to the conversation in Baku by inviting discussion on the practical learnings and observations that collectively step us toward action. Shifting past targets and goals to build credible roadmaps that make implementation and execution possible.    Get a head start by reading our report on how to turn your sustainability strategy into real and commercially viable outcomes. Discover the ten questions leaders should be asking to drive sustainability and net zero actions: https://lnkd.in/gJwSc3wg #COP29 #ActualisingSustainability