Five things to look for at the COP29 climate summit

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Independent or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: COP28 discussions underscored the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels to curb global warming, yet, despite these calls for action, the outlook remains bleak as carbon emissions continue to rise
• As COP29 approaches, several governments, including the US under Trump, appear to be slowing climate action efforts
• Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, a major fossil fuel producer, is prioritizing increased gas production to meet European energy needs, citing the continent’s demand for diverse energy sources

🔭 The context: Several key factors are expected to shape policy direction at COP29, including the stance of the US delegation on critical issues, the absence of some prominent leaders, and 2024’s alarming milestone as the first year to surpass the 1.5°C global warming target
• Additionally, Azerbaijan’s push to expand fossil fuel production and concerns over its human rights record will likely influence the discussions
• The US, a leading emitter, faces climate setbacks under Trump, who denies climate change and supports increased oil and gas production

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Continued fossil fuel dependence risks exacerbating climate change, as global CO2 and methane levels hit record highs
• These actions undermine global climate agreements and delay meaningful transitions to renewable energy on a global scale
• Governments' policies and actions could result in further damage to the planet's ecosystems and hinder efforts to meet climate goals

⏭️ What's next: Global efforts to meet climate targets may be further delayed, particularly with influential countries prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy sources
• At COP29, countries commitment to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 as well as loss and damage fund for highly vulnerable countries will be evaluated 
• Countries like Azerbaijan may set a precedent for others to follow, maintaining the status quo of fossil fuel reliance

💬 One quote: "Our oil and gas will be needed for many more years, including European markets" – Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan

📈 One stat: "Carbon dioxide and methane accumulation in the atmosphere is at the highest level ever recorded"

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