COP29: Progresses and challenges to global efforts on the climate crisis

On July 22, 2024, the global surface temperature reached a record-breaking 17.16°C, heightening concerns about the feasibility of the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement. Due to climate change, the intensity of extreme weather events has been surging, resulting in significant losses, damages, and reducing living space for humanity. The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP29; Figure 1A) in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11th to 22nd, 2024, presented a pivotal opportunity for global nations to unite, enhance climate ambitions, and accelerate climate action.

Pathway to COP29

The Glasgow Agreement (COP26) in 2021 reaffirmed the 1.5°C limit goal but fell short on concrete financial commitments. COP27 in Egypt established a financial fund for loss and damage but lacked specific implementation details. COP28 in Dubai marked a significant milestone with the finalization of the first global stocktake (GST), which included an explicit reference to phasing out fossil fuels for the first time,1 setting the stage for COP29 to address remaining financial issues and implementation measures.