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Day 2 of COP29
A Global Move Toward Climate Action

Day 2 of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. Key announcements included breakthroughs in carbon markets, new financial pledges, and bold national commitments. Global leaders emphasized the urgency of immediate action and cooperation, fueling momentum for a sustainable future as the climate crisis intensifies.

Key Highlights

  • Global Carbon Markets Make Significant Progress.
    Significant progress was made on global carbon markets, with parties reaching a consensus on carbon credit standards under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. This is expected to reduce the cost of implementing national plans by around USD 250 billion annually. While discussions on Article 6.2 continue, this development marks a key step in advancing global market cooperation and cross-border collaboration.

 

  • Fund for Loss and Damage Reaches Key Milestone.
    The Fund for Loss and Damage has surpassed USD 720 million in pledges, advancing towards its goal of supporting vulnerable countries. With agreements in place with the World Bank and the Philippines, funds are set to be disbursed by 2025. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev highlighted that this progress will transform pledges into tangible support for addressing the climate crisis.

 

  • Historic Commitments to Climate Finance.
    Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) pledged to mobilize USD 120 billion annually by 2030 for climate action in low- and middle-income countries. Of this, USD 42 billion will go towards adaptation, with an additional USD 65 billion expected from the private sector. These commitments are essential in bridging the climate finance gap and supporting the most vulnerable nations.

 

  • COP29 Presidency Champions New Initiatives.
    The COP29 Presidency introduced 14 new initiatives aligning climate action with the SDGs, focusing on green energy, energy storage, and methane reduction. A new Climate Finance Action Fund was also launched to support the transition to sustainable energy solutions, highlighting the need for systemic change across industries.

 

  • Baku Initiative for Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
    In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Azerbaijan introduced the Baku Climate Initiative to support farmers with resources for sustainable agriculture. This initiative is critical in the face of rising climate impacts, as it aims to address food security while promoting climate resilience in farming communities.

 

  • Global Push for a Just Energy Transition.
    The High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on scaling up renewable energy and improving energy efficiency saw leaders reaffirm their commitment to achieving global energy transitions. The “Global Energy Storage and Grids” initiative was also discussed, aiming to support global efforts in creating a more efficient, interconnected energy system.

GC’s Perspective

As COP29 progresses, GC Advisory recognizes the monumental strides being made toward a low-carbon, sustainable future. The progress on carbon markets, especially under Article 6.4, will have significant implications for international cooperation and the global economy. At GC Advisory, we view this as a pivotal moment for businesses to take advantage of new carbon credit mechanisms and prepare for future market developments.

The Fund for Loss and Damage is another key milestone, with the mobilization of financial resources critical for supporting vulnerable nations. As we work closely with clients across sectors, it’s clear that these developments will shape the future of climate finance. GC Advisory is particularly interested in how the new Climate Finance Action Fund will evolve and how businesses can align with these funding opportunities.

The launch of initiatives focused on green energy, energy storage, and methane reduction is a crucial step in addressing both climate change and energy security. At GC Advisory, we emphasize the importance of these initiatives in guiding companies toward sustainable practices, particularly in the energy sector.

Looking Ahead

As COP29 progresses, Day 2’s pledges mark the start of a transformative year for global climate action. The road ahead presents opportunities for businesses in carbon markets, climate finance, and sustainable energy transitions. GC Advisory will closely track these developments to ensure clients can capitalize on emerging opportunities. With COP29’s ambitious goals, the time for action is now, and the global community is united in working toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.

​​Landmark Pledges and National Commitments

Azerbaijan's Commitment to Emission Reductions
Azerbaijan made a historic commitment to reduce its GHG emissions by 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2050, measured against 1990 levels, solidifying its role in global climate action.

Indonesia’s Renewable Energy Ambition
Indonesia unveiled plans to develop 75 GW of renewable energy over the next 15 years, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. This significant step underscores the nation's drive to decarbonize its economy.

UAE’s Historic Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
The UAE made a landmark commitment to phase out fossil fuels by the end of this decade. The country aims to achieve net zero by 2050 by tripling its renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.

UK’s Enhanced NDC and Emission Reduction Targets
The UK revealed an enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), aiming for an 81% reduction in emissions by 2035 from 1990 levels. This ambitious goal sets a new benchmark for countries striving to meet climate targets.

Sweden’s Increased Pledge to the Loss and Damage Fund
Sweden increased its pledge to the Loss and Damage Fund by an additional $19 million, demonstrating strong support for vulnerable countries affected by climate change.

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