UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell delivered an impassioned call for unity and decisive action at the opening of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, emphasizing the urgency of achieving ambitious outcomes to combat the climate crisis.
Stiell began by acknowledging the transition from the Emirati presidency to Azerbaijan’s President Babayev, stressing that, in difficult times, humanity’s resilience and determination must drive climate action. Using a poignant example, he recounted standing with his neighbour, 85-year-old Florence from Carriacou, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Beryl, underscoring the devastating human toll of climate change.
Stiell stressed the importance of finalizing key goals, including setting a new global climate finance target and operationalizing international carbon markets under Article 6. He called for systemic reforms to provide fiscal space for nations to cut emissions and adapt effectively, framing climate finance not as charity but as a necessity for global stability and economic resilience.
Highlighting the unstoppable momentum toward clean energy, Stiell projected that investment in clean energy and infrastructure would reach $2 trillion in 2024, outpacing fossil fuels. He emphasized the need for adaptation targets, better transparency, and continuous support for loss and damage mechanisms to ensure that all nations can benefit from climate progress.
Stiell also introduced upcoming initiatives, including the launch of a Climate Plan Campaign to aid countries in submitting their third round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the revival of Climate Weeks in 2025 to align with the UNFCCC’s goals.