The international conference COP29, aimed at discussing climate change measures, commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. At the opening, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Babayev, expressed his eagerness to build consensus, stating, “Climate change is already underway. Let’s make COP29 a moment to open new avenues.” UN Secretary-General Guterres also urged world leaders, emphasizing, “Funding for climate action is not charity; it’s an investment. This is the final countdown, and there are no alternatives.”

On November 7, just before the conference, the EU’s meteorological agency released data showing that the global average temperature from January to October 2024 was 15.36°C, 0.16°C higher than last year. This figure is 0.71°C above the average temperature of the past 30 years, indicating that the annual average temperature for 2024 is expected to exceed the Paris Agreement’s target of keeping the increase within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Japan, along with the rest of the world, is experiencing record-breaking heatwaves and torrential rains, with the crisis increasingly manifesting as a tangible disaster.

The main theme of the conference is how to secure substantial funding for low-income countries. This raises concerns about the United States, led by Donald Trump, who has criticized climate change as a “hoax” and declared withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Other countries are cautioning, “The US, as a major emitter of greenhouse gases, should not shirk its responsibility.” Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, also opposes the US withdrawal, stating, “We should assert our stance by participating, not by leaving.”

COP conferences inherently face high hurdles for agreement due to conflicting interests between developed and developing countries. Adding to the tension, Azerbaijani President Aliyev, chairing the conference, sparked controversy by stating, “The West has double standards, oil is a gift from God, and we must be realistic.” This set the tone for a turbulent start to the discussions. Amidst this, UK Prime Minister Starmer announced greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement goals, enhancing the UK’s presence as major leaders from Japan, the US, China, Germany, and the European Commission were notably absent. While parliamentary and diplomatic schedules are understandable, the absence of Japan’s top leader is regrettable. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has expressed a desire for Japan to lead in addressing climate change, missed another opportunity to demonstrate his leadership.

This Week’s Focus, November 10 – November 14

Takashi Mizukoshi, the President