### Cop29 Faces Uncertainty Amidst Rising Global Temperatures and Leadership Concerns

As global temperatures continue to climb, scientists are raising alarms over increasing meteorological events and their devastating impacts. Last month's floods in eastern Spain, which tragically claimed hundreds of lives, underscore the urgency of the issue. As the international community gathers for the Cop29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the agenda is loaded with significant discussions about the future of our planet.

In 2024, scientists predict that global average temperatures will exceed pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees Celsius, potentially making it the warmest year on record. This concerning trend is driven by soaring carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion, which reached an all-time high of 40.6 billion tonnes last year and are expected to break records once again by the end of 2024. Notably, atmospheric carbon levels are now over 50% higher than in pre-industrial times.

The slow global response to these escalating atmospheric changes was highlighted at last year's Cop28 in Dubai, where a historic, albeit modest, agreement was reached to "transition away" from fossil fuels. However, this falls short of the sweeping reforms many activists and nations advocate for. The situation is further complicated by the recent election of Donald Trump as US President, who has previously dismissed climate change as "a big hoax" and is likely to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement again.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been vocal about the severe dangers posed by this climate emergency, warning of "collective suicide" and condemning fossil fuel companies for having "humanity by the throat." Guterres has starkly declared that the era of global warming has ended, ushering in an era of "global boiling."

Researchers warn of reaching critical tipping points if the 1.5 degrees Celsius rise is surpassed. These include the destabilization of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, thawing permafrost, collapse of the North Atlantic Ocean circulation, and extensive coral reef die-offs. Such changes are expected to provoke more frequent and severe floods, droughts, and storms, making many regions, especially in developing countries, uninhabitable for millions.

A significant focus of Cop29 will be securing substantial climate finance for developing nations, essential for building green energy systems and adapting to the harsh realities of a warming world. Estimates suggest that these countries will need between $500 billion to $1 trillion annually, a significant increase from the current $100 billion commitment. This finance will likely come from both private investors and multilateral development banks.

However, the reality of climate negotiations took a hit with the controversy surrounding Azerbaijani official Elnur Soltanov, who was caught discussing potential investments in the country's oil and gas sector. Such incidents cast a shadow on the summit's anticipated progress.

Despite the challenges, there remains a cautious sense of hope. Lord Stern of the Grantham Research Institute views the Baku summit as a potential stepping stone towards more substantial agreements at the Cop30 in Brazil. There, nations will need to present more ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.

Although the path ahead is fraught with difficulties, particularly with Trump's return to power, the resilience of delegates was underscored by Lord Stern, who recalled the determination exhibited during Trump's last presidency. The overarching message from climate advocates is clear: despite setbacks, the global effort to combat climate change will persist.