What’s Up with COP29

This Climate Emergency Forum episode delves into the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. This video was recorded on October 23rd, 2024, and published on October 30th, 2024, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

The discussion explores the effectiveness of past COPs, highlighting that despite 29 conferences, global emissions continue to rise, tracking worst-case scenarios. The speakers debate the pros and cons of these events, noting that while they provide valuable networking opportunities and increase media coverage of climate issues, they have failed to significantly alter the trajectory of climate change.

The conversation then shifts to potential improvements for future COPs. Suggestions include focusing more on carbon dioxide removal and directly cooling the climate, alongside emission reductions. The speakers emphasize the need for the United Nations to declare a global climate emergency and implement mandatory targets for transitioning away from fossil fuels. They also stress the importance of addressing tipping points, particularly in the Arctic, and the potential collapse of ocean currents like AMOC.

Throughout the discussion, the speakers express concern about the disconnect between the urgency of the climate crisis and the actions taken at COPs. They criticize the continued focus on the 1.5°C warming target, which they argue is no longer achievable, and call for more realistic assessments of our current trajectory towards 3°C of warming. The episode concludes with a call for viewers to stay informed about COP29 and make their voices heard on climate issues.

Text above from original video description.