COP29 week one ends in deadlock as divisions stall climate action progress

The first week of the COP29 summit concluded in Baku without significant breakthroughs, as deep divisions between developed and developing nations stalled progress on key issues like climate finance, trade measures, and equitable responsibility for climate action.India, representing the G-77/China and BASIC blocs, demanded accountability from wealthier countries on unmet financial commitments.The G-77/China bloc reiterated the call for USD 1.3 trillion annually in climate finance, with an emphasis on grants and concessional funding to avoid burdening vulnerable economies already grappling with the impacts of climate change. "We're seeing strains everywhere, from the Middle East to Africa to Ukraine, yet there's collective resolve among many nations to work toward a deal," she said.Castle pointed out that the G20 countries, responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions and 85 per cent of the world economy, hold the key to unlocking ambitious climate agreements.The contentious issue of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism also fuelled sharp exchanges.India and other developing nations criticised the measure for disproportionately penalising their economies, calling it a violation of equity principles and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. "Without equitable access to climate technologies, the promises of the Paris Agreement will remain unfulfilled," an Indian negotiator stated.India also opposed any attempts to impose external regulations on its climate targets, emphasising that mitigation efforts should align with Nationally Determined Contributions and national sovereignty.The BASIC bloc criticised developed nations for attempting to dilute their commitments under the Paris Agreement by shifting additional obligations onto emerging economies.The BASIC countries include Brazil, South Africa, India, and China.The Alliance of Small Island States and the Arab Group joined forces with India, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations and demanding scaled-up financial and technological support.The negotiations in Baku have also highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive climate finance package that addresses both mitigation and adaptation. "South Africa has been closely working with the African Union to reflect the priorities of the Global South, focusing on equity and solidarity," she said, adding that the country's leadership would build on themes introduced by Brazil and India.The lack of progress on key fronts, including the long-standing USD 100 billion annual climate finance pledge, left developing nations increasingly frustrated.As negotiators prepare for the second week, the stalemate casts uncertainty over whether COP29 will deliver actionable outcomes.With COP30 in Brazil next year, the outcomes in Baku are likely to set the tone for the global climate agenda in the months to come.