The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP29, has recently concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. Here are some key trends and highlights:
- **Controversy Over Venue**: The choice of Azerbaijan as the host country has been controversial due to its status as a major oil and gas producer and concerns over human rights and corruption[1].
- **Leadership**: Mukhtar Babayev, a long-time official of the state-owned oil company SOCAR and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, presided over COP29. The organizing committee was chaired by Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan[1].
- **Key Objectives**: The conference focused on strengthening ambitions and ensuring action, including setting a new climate finance goal, fully activating the Loss and Damage fund, and supporting vulnerable communities. Leaders emphasized the need to cap global warming at 1.5°C, as current data suggests existing climate pledges may allow for a 2.9°C increase[1].
- **Transportation Management**: A comprehensive transport management plan was implemented to minimize traffic during the conference, including dedicated COP29 fleets, complimentary shuttles, and express public buses[2].
- **Venue and Attendance**: The conference was held at the Baku Olympic Stadium, with a 112,000 m² venue developed next to the stadium. It welcomed around 80,000 attendees, including senior government officials, and featured two main zones: the Blue Zone for official negotiations and the Green Zone for public access and corporate exhibitions[1].
- **Closing Remarks**: The conference concluded with a call to redouble efforts on the road to Belém, emphasizing that there is no time for victory laps[3].
Overall, COP29 aimed to address critical climate issues, despite controversy over the host country and challenges in achieving ambitious climate goals.