The outcome of the COP29 climate summit has sparked anger across Africa, as the $300 billion annual pledge from wealthy nations was deemed insufficient to tackle the devastating effects of climate change on the continent. After two weeks of intense negotiations, the deal was finalized early Sunday in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, but it failed to meet the expectations of developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
The agreement commits developed nations to provide $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts. While this marks an increase from the previous $100 billion pledge, African leaders and climate advocates have criticized the sum as “too little, too late.”
Ali Mohamed, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, expressed his frustration, saying, “This is not enough for Africa. The continent continues to bear the brunt of climate disasters, and this deal does not address our urgent needs.” He emphasized that African nations would continue to call for more robust climate finance to tackle the crisis.
The disappointment was echoed by other African representatives, including Sierra Leone’s climate minister, Jiwoh Abdulai. “We are extremely disappointed in the outcome,” Abdulai said, criticizing the lack of meaningful action from wealthy nations. “This pledge shows a lack of goodwill from those most responsible for climate change.”
The Marshall Islands’ climate envoy, Tina Stege, acknowledged that while the deal was a step forward, it did not go far enough. “It isn’t nearly enough, but it’s a start,” she said, pointing out that small island nations, along with Africa, continue to face the worst consequences of global warming.
The African Group of Negotiators, along with the Alliance of Small Island States and the Least Developed Countries, all voiced their dissatisfaction with the deal. Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, a Kenyan think tank, called it a “betrayal” of the developing world. “This COP has been a disaster for the global South,” he said.
India also joined the chorus of criticism, with delegate Chandni Raina calling the $300 billion pledge “paltry” and insufficient to address the scale of the climate crisis.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell acknowledged the deal’s shortcomings but urged nations to treat it as a starting point. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also expressed disappointment, calling for a more ambitious approach to tackling climate change in the future.
Despite the overwhelming disappointment from developing nations, the agreement was approved after intense late-night negotiations. EU climate envoy Wopke Hoekstra hailed the deal as “the start of a new era for climate finance,” but for many in Africa, it remains a reminder of the unfulfilled promises made by wealthier nations in the fight against climate change.
