Last November, COP29 in Baku brought world leaders together once again to confront our planet’s most pressing environmental and humanitarian challenges. As we look ahead to COP30 in Belém this November, it’s worth reflecting on what progress was made — and where ambition still falls short.
1️⃣Finance – The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG):
Countries agreed to mobilise $300 billion per year by 2035, aiming to reach $1.3 trillion annually thereafter. The goal blends public and private finance to support developing nations — a major step, though still lacking clarity on accountability, access, and delivery.
2️⃣Carbon Markets – Article 6 Progress:
Negotiators advanced a framework for international carbon trading, setting out how credits might be used and exchanged to achieve public climate goals. However, governance and transparency gaps remain, leaving questions about integrity and oversight.
3️⃣Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
By the UNFCCC’s February 2025 deadline, only a few countries had submitted new or updated NDCs. According to the Climate Action Network, most G20 plans still lack credible commitments to phase out fossil fuels, deliver just transition finance, or align with the 1.5 °C pathway.
🔎 Looking to COP30:
Expectations are high for stronger, binding NDCs, a clear fossil-fuel exit strategy, and actionable plans for just and equitable transition. To keep 1.5 °C alive, 2025 must become the year of delivery — from pledges to performance.
Picture credits: „COP29“ by Ministério do Meio Ambiente e Mudança do Clima, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 on Flickr, edited by ESMERALDA
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