As the COP29 host nation, Azerbaijan needs to ramp up action for an ambitious outcome in Baku, WWF’s Global Lead for Climate and Energy Manuel Pulgar–Vidal who previously was the COP20 President, said in a comment published by Global Home News, Ednews informs.

“Azerbaijan’s role as the host of COP29 places it in a position of significant responsibility and opportunity not only to advance the negotiations but build a legacy for the climate regime and future generations. Setting clear timelines, leveraging expert advice, intensifying finance talks and keeping pressure on countries to deliver can all result in a successful COP,” Manuel Pulgar–Vidal said.

He recalled that the COP28 deal was meant to mark the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era: “Yet, progress on this since the Dubai summit has been woefully slow. The window for a 1.5℃ future is closing fast. We must avert a failure to agree to the new climate finance goal in Baku.”

According to Manuel Pulgar–Vidal, effectively leading these finance talks will require proactive steps and a recognition of the scale of financing required: “At least $1 trillion of investment is needed for climate and environment by 2030. Azerbaijan’s proposal for a Climate Finance Action Fund would rightly mean a mechanism through which polluters do finally pay.

According to him, balancing the needs and demands of 190+ countries is challenging but by engaging with champions from business, government and civil society across the board it can be done:

“Creating the enabling conditions and encouraging countries to implement existing commitments can have the greatest impact on tackling the climate crisis. Azerbaijan will benefit from continuing to engage tirelessly with credible actors who can help it avoid pitfalls and needless mistakes. Sporadic consultations will not suffice; consistent dialogue is key. Lastly, Azerbaijan should be prepared for intense scrutiny from the media and civil society.”