A crucial summit in Baku

From 11 to 22 November 2024, Baku hosted the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). The event brought together world leaders, experts, and activists to discuss urgent measures in response to the climate emergency.

In 2024, for the first time, the global average temperature consistently exceeded a 1.5 °C increase compared to pre-industrial levels. This alarming milestone was at the center of debates that led to mixed agreements and widespread criticism.

The risks of climate change: an uncertain future

• Heatwaves: extreme events worsen health crises, crop losses, and threats to human life. Italy’s summer of 2024 saw record numbers of days above 40 °C.
• Melting ice and rising seas: coastal cities such as Venice and Hamburg risk irreparable damage within decades.
• Extreme events: floods and droughts affect entire regions. Emilia-Romagna suffered damages estimated at over €10 billion.
• Biodiversity loss: species and agricultural products, such as Barolo and Brunello wines, are already threatened by climate shifts.

Financing: ambitious but insufficient promises

The final COP29 document set a new collective goal: USD 300 billion per year until 2035, with a projection to reach USD 1.3 trillion annually. However, concrete mechanisms will be defined at COP30 in Belém.

Criticism was not lacking. According to Lorenzo Tecleme (Valori.it), the agreement resembles an “onion” of fragile layers of uncertain funds, rather than an “avocado” with a solid core of public resources.

Country positions: divisions and expectations

Latin America: many countries, including Brazil, expressed disappointment, recalling the historical responsibilities of developed nations.

Africa and Asia: criticism focused on insufficient funds, recalling the unfulfilled commitment of USD 100 billion per year.

European Union: Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra assured that most of the funds would consist of public grants, to avoid unsustainable debt burdens for the most vulnerable countries.

Agriculture: both victim and culprit of climate change

Agriculture is responsible for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, but it is also among the most vulnerable sectors. The main causes: intensive livestock farming, chemical fertilizers, deforestation, and excessive freshwater use.

Climate change in turn affects agriculture through droughts, extreme events, and new diseases. At COP29, the Harmoniya initiative was presented, promoting practices such as regenerative agriculture and the use of satellite data. Denmark showcased its sustainable agricultural management model as a replicable example.

A missed opportunity?

COP29 did not deliver decisive outcomes: the gap between commitments made and necessary actions remains too wide. With the 1.5 °C limit already surpassed and no concrete solutions on the horizon, many consider the event a missed opportunity. Hopes now turn to COP30 in Belém, which will need to strengthen agreements and finally turn them into concrete action.