COP29: 'Leaders will find creative ways to avoid reaching their ambitious goals'

John Maytham interviews Professor Roelof Burger, Atmospheric Scientist at North West University.

Listen below.

The United Nations COP29 conference commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan on Monday (11 November 2024) with discussions primarily centered on financing.

This latest climate change summit follows a year marked by extreme weather events worldwide and the election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States.

Trump's return raises concerns that a potential US withdrawal from the landmark Paris Agreement could significantly hinder climate action in the short term, leading to reduced ambition in negotiations, as well as impacting emissions reduction and financial support for developing countries.

Burger warns that while a US withdrawal could be detrimental in the short term, in the longer-term, it may ultimately pressure other nations to increase their commitments.

"The issue is getting serious and I think the public awareness is rising and hopefully the pressure on governments are increasing."

- Roelof Burger, Atmospheric Scientist – North West University

Burger anticipates that the outcome of COP29 will likely result in leaders agreeing on ambitious goals, which they will then spend the following year 'finding creative ways to avoid meeting them.'

"I will try and find some bright silver lining, but it will be difficult."

- Roelof Burger, Atmospheric Scientist – North West University

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