Baku, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 6:00 PM AZT
COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, was thrown into disarray as the Alliance of Small
Island States (AOSIS) and the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group staged a
dramatic walkout from climate finance negotiations. This bold move, driven by
frustration over stalled discussions and exclusionary tactics, highlights the growing
divide between vulnerable nations and developed countries in the fight against
climate change.
In a powerful address, The Honourable Minister Cedric Schuster, Chair of AOSIS,
delivered a stirring statement explaining the decision to step away from the New
Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) discussions. His words reflected the collective
disappointment of nations already on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Breaking Point: A Walkout of Necessity
The immediate trigger for the walkout was the proposal of a $300 billion climate
finance package—a figure deemed grossly insufficient by AOSIS and LDC
representatives. Minister Schuster described the discussions as not offering a
progressive way forward, emphasising that AOSIS remains committed to the
multilateral process but demands a negotiation process that is genuinely inclusive.
“We want nothing more than to continue to engage, but the process must be
inclusive. If this cannot be the case, it becomes very difficult for us to continue our
involvement here at COP29,” Schuster declared.
Voices Ignored, Promises Unmet
For small island nations and LDCs, the stakes at COP29 are existential. Yet, these
nations have found their concerns consistently sidelined. Schuster lamented the
“deplorable lack of substance” in the negotiation packages, particularly regarding the
special needs and circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and
LDCs.
“We need to see progress and follow up on the transition away from fossil fuels that
we agreed last year,” he said. “Instead, we are being asked to forget all about that at
this COP, as though we are not in a critical decade and as though the 1.5°C limit is
not in peril.”
Barbados’ representative echoed this sentiment, calling the draft proposal “an insult.”
Meanwhile, Panama’s chief negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez, criticised
developed nations for using attrition tactics to push through inadequate offers. “They
wear us down at every turn,” he said, adding that these tactics only deepen the
inequities between nations.
The Sinking Reality of Vulnerable Nations
Minister Schuster painted a vivid picture of the dire situation faced by small island
nations, saying, “Understand this – I am not exaggerating when I say our islands are
sinking!” He questioned how negotiators could return home with a poor deal. “How
can you expect us to go back to the women, men, and children of our countries with
a poor deal which will surely plunge them into further peril?”
The walkout is not just about financial inadequacy; it is about survival. Small island
states are among the least responsible for global emissions yet face the most severe
consequences of climate change. Schuster underscored this injustice, urging
developed nations to honour their commitments under the Paris Agreement.
A Call for Honour and Unity
In his closing remarks, Schuster called for all parties to act with honour and
accountability, warning that this COP risks being remembered for showing “contempt
for the world’s most vulnerable.” He urged nations to rise above division and commit
to a deal that addresses the urgent needs of all. “Let us all come together and show
the world we are serious about being saviours and commit to a deal that will redound
to the benefit of us all.”
Broader Implications
The AOSIS walkout has cast a shadow over COP29, exposing the persistent
inequities in global climate negotiations. The dissatisfaction with the process reflects
broader geopolitical tensions, as developing nations continue to demand more
ambitious financial commitments and action from wealthier countries.
With the conference now teetering on the edge of collapse, options for moving
forward include extending talks into next week or deferring major decisions to
COP30 in Brazil. However, for AOSIS and LDCs, the message is clear: the world
cannot wait.
A Defining Moment for Climate Justice
Minister Schuster’s impassioned plea and AOSIS’s bold walkout underscore the
urgency of this moment. Their actions are a call to the global community to move
beyond hollow promises and deliver tangible solutions. As the world watches, the
question remains: will COP29 be remembered as a turning point or a missed
opportunity in the fight for climate justice?
The full AOSIS Statement, as read below, from AOSIS Press Release:
COP29, Baku Saturday 23rd November, 2024 6:00pm AZT
● Firstly, let me make it clear that the Alliance of Small Island States remains
committed to this process and are here in the spirit of good faith in multilateralism to
secure the best deal that will protect not just us, but the world from the worst impacts
of climate change.
● We have presently removed ourselves from the stalled NCQG discussions, which
were not offering a progressive way forward.
● We want nothing more than to continue to engage, but the process must be
INCLUSIVE.
● If this cannot be the case, it becomes very difficult for us to continue our
involvement here at COP29.
● Small island developing states and Least Developing Countries are among the
very worst impacted by this climate crisis that we did not cause.
● Yet we have found ourselves continuously insulted by the lack of inclusion, our
calls are being ignored.
● Across all packages, there is a deplorable lack of substance, especially as it
relates to the special needs and circumstances of SIDS and LDCS. Our key asks on
mitigation have also been ignored. We need to see progress and follow up on the
transition away from fossil fuels that we agreed last year. We have been asked to
forget all about that at this COP as though we are not in a critical decade and as
though the 1.5C limit is not in peril. .
● We need to be shown the regard which our dire circumstances necessitate.
● We are calling on Parties to respect the Paris Agreement we all signed on to,
which holds developed countries to provide adequate assistance to developing
countries.
● What is happening here is highlighting what a very different boat our vulnerable
countries are in, compared to the developed countries. After this COP29 ends, we
cannot just sail off into the sunset. We are literally sinking. Understand this – I am not
exaggerating when I say our islands are sinking! How can you expect us to go back
to the women, men, and children of our countries with a poor deal which will surely
plunge them into further peril?
● We are appealing to all countries to act with honour. Do not be remembered for
contributing to a process which will go down as showing contempt for the world’s
most vulnerable. Let us all come together and show the world we are serious about
being saviours, and commit to a deal that will redound to the benefit of us all.
– The Honourable Minister Cedric Schuster, AOSIS Chair
Comments