In a notable turn-of-events Sir Keir Starmer emerges as the sole G7 representative at the Cop29 climate summit in Baku (starting nov-12-2024). Leading figures like Joe Biden‚ Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz opted-out of the Azerbaijan meeting‚ while Ursula von der Leyen and leaders from China and India also chose to stay home
Sir Alok Sharma‚ former Cop26 president shared his thoughts:
Its disappointing that we dont have more world leaders coming to this Cop and‚ I mean‚ Keir Starmer is coming‚ and I think thats great; its showing UK leadership
The conferences main focus revolves around green-financing deals — with African and Arab nations seeking roughly $1-trillion yearly support by 2035. Several countries are ready to present their emission-reduction goals: UAE plans 47% cuts; Brazil aims for 67% reduction (both targeting 2035)‚ while China — worlds biggest greenhouse gas producer — delays its announcement till next year
The UK delegation plans to use this opportunity to showcase its climate commitment through new domestic energy policies. Despite top-level absences‚ ministers and negotiators from almost 200 countries will work on detailed agreements: focusing on helping poorer nations transition to eco-friendly practices and adapt to global warming impacts