Sara F.’s Post

🌍 Exploring Climate Finance Strategies at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan Earlier today I attended an insightful session “Climate Finance Strategies: Enhancing Capacities to Tackle Environmental Challenges " held at the League of Arab States Pavilion at COP29 Azerbaijan, facilitated by Dr. Emad Adly. The discussions offered critical insights into how climate finance can become more effective, collaborative, and sustainable. Key Takeaways: 1) The Importance of Realistic Strategies and Measurable Indicators Effective climate finance starts with grounded, actionable strategies. For any climate initiative to create tangible impact, it must go beyond ambitious ideas and have a structured approach with realistic goals.  Measurable indicators are essential to track progress, adjust strategies as needed, and ensure accountability. These indicators serve as benchmarks, allowing stakeholders to assess what’s working and identify areas needing improvement. 2) Building Trust with Key Funders Securing climate finance relies heavily on trust with key funders such as the European Union. Trust is built through transparency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to sustainable outcomes. Establishing a network of committed practitioners who work together toward common goals fosters a supportive community that funders are more willing to back. 3) Revolving Funds for Sustainable Industry Impact The concept of revolving funds introduces an innovative approach to climate finance that maximizes impact by reusing funds rather than offering one-time grants. In this model, funds are provided as low-interest, repayable loans, allowing industries to access capital, implement sustainable practices, and repay the amount for future projects. This creates a self-sustaining cycle that supports more industries over time, amplifying the reach of climate finance. 4) Prioritizing Women and Youth in Climate Finance Gender and youth inclusion are critical to successful climate finance strategies. Women-led and youth-driven initiatives were highlighted as especially impactful, with a focus on technology transfer and adaptation to local conditions. Emphasizing these groups not only tackles climate challenges but also drives broader socioeconomic progress, turning perceived challenges into opportunities for growth. This session was a reminder that climate finance is not only about funding but also about fostering partnerships, embracing innovation, and empowering communities. #COP29 #ClimateFinance #Sustainability #YouthEmpowerment #SDGs #EnvironmentalChallenges #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment

CLIMATE FINANCE TOPS AGENDA AT COP29 PRE-TALKS Eco-Business’ 5 June Newsletter It’s World Environment Day today, but for those working in #sustainability, every day is #WorldEnvironmentDay. This is especially true for the delegates from 198 countries who descended on Bonn, Germany earlier this week to kick off negotiations for what is set to dominate talks at this year's #COP29 summit: a new #climate finance goal for the #GlobalSouth.  The current US$100 billion target, which rich nations met two years later than promised, expires next year. But foundational terms for a new collective quantified goal on #climatefinance (NCQG) remain unsettled – from the timeframe to reach it to which countries will give and receive this money. For this reason, UN climate chief Simon Stiell urged parties to “move from zero-draft to real options” in the hope of striking a deal come November. Poorer nations with heavy debt burdens have long asked for greater financial support to meet their climate targets. Talks over the next 10 days could therefore set the tone for how ambitious developing countries are with their next climate action plans. In the meantime, COP29 advisor Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, who was in Singapore for the World Cities Summit, wants to see green money flow more directly to cities. But this will require local governments to build the capacity to absorb climate funds, she said. 1. 'Move from zero-draft to real options’ for new climate finance goal, urges UN climate chief (https://lnkd.in/gn7TAfjR) 2. Climate money needs a faster route to cities, says COP29 advisor (https://lnkd.in/gyvuz2Ri) 3. Emissions intensity of largest Asian utilities are 'well above' net-zero pathway: MSCI (https://lnkd.in/gEqU3VBG) 4. On the cards: Nationwide ESG disclosure rules for Chinese companies by 2030 (https://lnkd.in/gKXhujsD) 5. Voluntary offsets market value tumbles to a third of 2021 peak (https://lnkd.in/gqNGDUdW) 6. Sowing the impossible? A special report on Singapore's ‘30 by 30’ food challenge (https://lnkd.in/gaw59h_W) 7. India gives people legal protection against climate change, but will big polluters be held to account? (https://lnkd.in/gy6uGtuY) 8. Low carbon economy bill under review: Is the Philippines ready to pay for its decarbonisation goals? (https://lnkd.in/gt4ZecMg) 9. Drilling rigs in nature reserves: Tensions heighten as Philippine clean energy projects encroach on conservation areas (https://lnkd.in/gmzRj28F) 10. Closing the AI skills gap: The next step for Singapore’s pursuit of sustainable economic growth? (https://lnkd.in/eNbppPJg) View the full newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/gsMJ6nib Sign up for our newsletters here: https://lnkd.in/gBsbUyev #LinkedInNews #EBNews #EditorsChoice #NewsThatImpacts Gabrielle See 谢欣冕 Liang Lei Wai Mun Ng Vasudevan Sridharan Hannah Alcoseba Fernandez Rhick Lars Vladimer A. Yajie Yang

🌍COP29: Shaping the Future of Climate Finance As COP29 in Baku nears, this informative article by CarbonBrief explores how discussions focus on the "new collective quantified goal" (NCQG) for climate finance, aiming to exceed the previous $100 billion annual pledge. Developing nations advocate for significantly larger, multi-trillion-dollar targets while balancing contributions between developed and emerging economies presents challenges. Key focus areas include: 👉 Target Amount: Developing nations push for trillions annually, while wealthier countries suggest more practical targets. 👉 Contributors: Wealthy nations want emerging economies like China to contribute, but developing nations call for greater responsibility from historically high emitters. 👉 Sources of Funding: Developed countries propose including the private sector, while developing nations favor public funding. 👉 Allocation & Accountability: Developing nations seek transparency in fund allocation for mitigation, adaptation, and loss & damage. This is a crucial opportunity for collaboration, with GMEX Group supporting the dialogue via its group company ZERO13. Meet our representatives at COP29—Hirander Misra (Chairman & CEO), Emmanuel DEVEDEUX (Chief Business Officer), and Lincoln T. (Board Advisor)—who will be in the Blue & Green Zones. Connect with us to discuss innovative climate finance solutions🤝. For further insights, GMEX Group's ZERO13 is co-hosting an event in London with CMS on November 27, discussing takeaways from COP29 and the future of climate finance at the World Economic Forum in Davos🔍. 🔗Register now to join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/d-j6dspr 🔗To read the full article by CarbonBrief: https://lnkd.in/g48vU7yz #COP29 #ClimateFinance #GMEXGroup #ZERO13 #ClimateAction

#COP29 is here, bringing a focused agenda to ‘Enhance Ambition’ and ‘Enable Action,’ with climate finance at center stage. According to the COP29 Presidency’s Plan, this year’s discussions will center on the new collective quantified goal, a financial mechanism aimed at replacing the current climate finance model. Advanced economies committed to providing $100 billion annually, but much of this funding has yet to reach the countries that need it most. Some estimates suggest that trillions may be required to support global transitions to sustainable futures. But what does this mean for Zambian businesses? At #RSM Zambia, we see an opportunity for businesses across industries to harness this shifting climate finance landscape. New climate finance options like green bonds offer pathways to secure sustainable funding, while emerging regulatory frameworks call for strengthened risk management and adaptation strategies. For instance, sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing may find increased demand for sustainable financing options as they work to meet emerging environmental standards. By securing climate financing now, businesses can strengthen resilience and gain a competitive advantage. We believe ambitious climate goals bring unique opportunities—and challenges. With global climate finance mechanisms evolving, it is essential to anticipate new regulatory requirements and prepare for enhanced risk management. Let us help you take charge of change and move forward with confidence. Whether it is understanding climate financing or embedding risk management, RSM Zambia is here to guide you through strategies that ensure resilience and growth. Together, we can empower your business for the future. Other critical conversations at COP29 will likely address rising global temperatures, the drive to reduce fossil fuel reliance, and the need to manage climate-related conflicts. Learn more about COP29’s goals and contact us to explore how RSM Zambia can support your sustainability journey. Link to COP29 Presidency’s Plan: https://lnkd.in/dexeKTan #RSMZambia #Sustainability #ClimateFinance #COP29

#Day4 at COP29 Azerbaijan brought bold pledges and complex discussions on climate finance. Azerbaijan committed $1.2 billion to green projects, while the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT) aims to strengthen the connection between trade and climate. Meanwhile, the delay of the Climate Finance Action Fund has sparked mixed reactions—some view it as necessary to refine fossil-fuel involvement, while others see it as another pause in tangible action for developing countries. As finance negotiations continue to face obstacles, today’s events reveal both commitment and concern: will these steps bring us closer to actual climate equity, or remain ambitious yet delayed plans? Faraz Khan MBE | SAJJEED ASLAM | Qudsia Sajjeed | Adamjee Aftab | Andrew Brewer | Jed Linsider | Shaista Ayesha | Farooq Nasir COP29 Life | UNFCCC-WGEO Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC) MENA and SA | UNEP-WCMC | United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) | The World Bank | WWF | World Resources Institute | Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) | UNDP | IUCN | Greenpeace | The Climate Reality Project | ICLEI | Reuters | BBC Worldwide News | The Economist | The Guardian | Bloomberg Green | CNBC #COP29 #ClimateFinance #SustainableFuture #ESG #ClimateAction #GreenTransition #GlobalCollaboration #Spectreco #ClimateJustice #NetZero

#Day4 at COP29 Azerbaijan brought bold pledges and complex discussions on climate finance. Azerbaijan committed $1.2 billion to green projects, while the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT) aims to strengthen the connection between trade and climate. Meanwhile, the delay of the Climate Finance Action Fund has sparked mixed reactions—some view it as necessary to refine fossil-fuel involvement, while others see it as another pause in tangible action for developing countries. As finance negotiations continue to face obstacles, today’s events reveal both commitment and concern: will these steps bring us closer to actual climate equity, or remain ambitious yet delayed plans? Faraz Khan MBE | SAJJEED ASLAM | Qudsia Sajjeed | Adamjee Aftab | Andrew Brewer | Jed Linsider | Shaista Ayesha | Farooq Nasir COP29 Life | UNFCCC-WGEO Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC) MENA and SA | UNEP-WCMC | United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) | The World Bank | WWF | World Resources Institute | Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) | UNDP | IUCN | Greenpeace | The Climate Reality Project | ICLEI | Reuters | BBC Worldwide News | The Economist | The Guardian | Bloomberg Green | CNBC #COP29 #ClimateFinance #SustainableFuture #ESG #ClimateAction #GreenTransition #GlobalCollaboration #Spectreco #ClimateJustice #NetZero

💡iFOREST dispatch from COP29 "An important agenda for COP29 this week will be to frame actionable steps under the JTWP to enable countries to design and implement Just Transition measures, aligning with climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. While each country’s journey to a Just Transition will be based on unique national circumstances, including socio-economic conditions, resources, and priorities, some clear actionable steps can ensure collective and timebound action. The second annual inter-ministerial roundtable held in Baku on November 18th brought to light some steps that must be enforced through the work programme," writes Just Transition Director, Srestha Banerjee from COP29. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gqpPJeaj #CommonwealthForClimate #COP29 Chandra Bhushan Mandvi Singh Nidhi Bali Pratima Singh, Ph.D Shriya Mohan

It’s almost a year since I landed at COP28 to be an advocate for change and present the opportunities digital assets and automated ESG driven regtech can deliver to achieve the UNSDGs at the Women’s Pavilion and on the Sustainable Finance Stage. Now as we approach #COP29, the urgency for new models and transparency in climate finance has never been more critical. Traditional financing mechanisms often fall short in addressing the complexities of climate challenges. Our financial institutions are massively falling short of addressing the need for #resilience financial products and services. This is where innovative solutions like #tokenisation of funds, #digitalassets, and #smartcontracts can pave the way for a more resilient financial ecosystem. Tokenisation allows for fractional ownership and increased liquidity of climate-related investments. Digital assets can streamline transactions, while smart contracts enable automatic execution of agreements, ensuring that funds are used effectively and transparently. Near-time ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting will empower stakeholders and investors, regulators and corporates with real-time data, fostering accountability and trust. Likewise, allow for those who support sustainable operations to be rewarded. I am hopeful that at COP29, world leaders will unite to establish a new model for resilience finance. This requires bold action from investors (state and private capital) and finance regulators to embrace technology and support the evolution of reporting and regulation in this space. Let’s work towards a future where climate finance is not only accessible but also transparent and accountable. For more insights on the financial agenda at COP29, check out this article by The Guardian: [COP29 Financial Agenda](https://lnkd.in/eJpPdqkB). Together, we can build a sustainable future! 🌱 #ClimateFinance #COP29 #Innovation #Tokenization #ESG #Sustainability

Update: Halfway Through #COP29: Stalemates in Climate Finance and #Adaptation Commitments As COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, enters its second week, countries have yet to reach consensus on critical issues, particularly around financial support for developing nations. The questions of whether wealthy nations will pay and how much remain central to the debate. Climate Finance: A New Goal in Dispute Developing nations have called for $1.3 trillion annually from 2025 to 2030—ten times the current goal of $100 billion per year. However, wealthy nations remain cautious, offering only limited public funding while proposing to involve private sectors, multilateral banks, and new contributors, including China, to share the financial burden. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have also raised specific demands. LDCs, for instance, request at least $220 billion annually as earmarked funding. Meanwhile, NGOs are advocating for grants rather than loans to avoid burdening poorer nations with debt. Despite this urgency, the draft negotiation text on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) remains overly broad, with too many unresolved options. Adaptation Fund Faces a "Paradox" Simultaneously, the Adaptation Fund is grappling with severe funding shortages. At COP29, it has only raised $61 million—far below its $300 million annual target. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that these missing funds represent "lives lost, harvests destroyed, and development denied." While many global leaders have underscored the importance of adaptation, concrete financial commitments remain sparse. The Adaptation Fund failed to meet its target at COP28 last year, and the situation this year appears even more dire. Carbon Markets and Energy Storage: Progress Amidst Divisions In carbon markets, some progress has been made with the approval of methodologies for reducing deforestation through offsets. However, discussions remain divided over transparency and environmental integrity. The EU and Small Island States advocate stricter transparency, while other nations prefer a lighter regulatory approach. On energy storage, several nations have pledged to increase global capacity sixfold by 2030 compared to 2022 levels. Achieving this will require significant technological and policy efforts, such as reusing electric vehicle batteries for secondary applications. Conclusion: Accelerating Action Is Critical The negotiations at COP29 highlight a complex web of longstanding disputes and emerging challenges. While progress has been limited, the involvement of ministerial-level officials this week and the upcoming G20 summit may provide opportunities for breakthroughs. In the face of escalating global climate crises, the international community must act with greater determination and collaboration. #COP29Progress #ClimateFinance #ClimateAdaptation #EnergyStorage #CarbonMarketTransparency #GlobalClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment

🌍 Finance Takes Center Stage at #COP29: Will the "#FinanceCOP" Deliver on #ClimateJustice? 💡 As #COP29 unfolds in Baku, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Amid global geopolitical tensions, the world’s historically largest climate financier teeters on the edge of withdrawal, leaving developed countries scrambling to fill the void. 💔 Yamide Dagnet, Senior VP at the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), reminds us: “What countries are negotiating isn’t charity—it’s investment. The cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of equitable and effective climate transitions.” 🌱 With the #LossandDamageFund at the forefront, nations are pressed to ensure adequate replenishment and fair allocation to frontline communities. #Mozambique’s recurring climate disasters highlight the human cost of inaction—where communities are left in tents, schools remain unbuilt, and livelihoods are repeatedly destroyed. 🛠️🏠 Key takeaways from the finance agenda: ✔️ Fair Distribution: Will Least Developed Countries (#LDCs), Small Island Developing States (#SIDS), and #Africa receive their share? ✔️ Adaptation Finance: Push for 50% allocation to adaptation efforts continues. ✔️ Accountability: Transparent, grant-based solutions must empower local communities rather than centralized, inaccessible systems. ✔️ Innovative Finance: Calls grow louder for levies on polluters like fossil fuel giants to repair damages caused. While nations like the UK and Brazil signal progress with 2035 targets, trust remains a key currency. With trillions of dollars needed for a just and effective transition, multilateral financial institutions, private investors, and innovative solutions must come together. 💼🌎 As Dagnet poignantly stated: “Countries cannot leave #Baku without a deal on finance.” Civil society is watching, and the clock is ticking. ⏳ Let’s keep the focus sharp: finance is not the end—it’s the means to a sustainable, resilient future. 🌟 #COP29 #ClimateFinance #LossAndDamage #ClimateJustice #Sustainability IPS Inter Press Service COP29 Azerbaijan Read more at - https://lnkd.in/gng8_yNC