COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, is set against a backdrop of high global expectations and urgent calls for increased climate finance, especially to support developing nations. Civil society organizations from the Philippines, as well as other nations on the frontlines of climate impacts, are demanding tangible outcomes in funding, emissions reductions, and climate justice. Here’s a look at what’s at stake for the Philippines and the broader implications for the country in the context of COP29.
1. Climate Finance: Meeting the $1 Trillion Goal
One of the focal points of COP29 is the push to mobilize $1 trillion annually for climate finance. This financial target aims to aid countries vulnerable to climate change, primarily those like the Philippines that are experiencing rising temperatures, stronger typhoons, and sea-level rise. However, securing this funding remains contentious, with debates over who should contribute and how the funds should be managed. Given that past targets have often gone unmet, developing nations have become increasingly vocal about accountability, transparency, and access to these funds. Philippine civil society groups argue that without meeting this ambitious target, the country and others in similar situations will struggle to invest in necessary adaptation and resilience measures.
2. Loss and Damage Fund Implementation
The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 was a historic milestone, yet its operationalization is now under scrutiny. For the Philippines, which frequently endures severe storms and flooding, a functional loss and damage mechanism could offer much-needed financial relief to communities hit hardest by climate disasters. The country’s advocates emphasize that without a streamlined and accessible process, the fund may not reach those who need it most. To address this, Filipino representatives and global advocates are urging for a transparent framework that ensures direct access to funds and equitable distribution based on vulnerability rather than the volume of historical emissions.
3. Carbon Markets: A Controversial Tool
Carbon credits and carbon markets have emerged as divisive tools for achieving emissions reductions. COP29 sees significant debate on carbon trading mechanisms, with critics arguing they could allow major polluters to offset emissions without making meaningful reductions. The Philippines has particular concerns here, given its growing renewable energy sector. Many advocates worry that an overreliance on carbon credits might undermine genuine decarbonization efforts within the nation. Instead, Philippine voices at COP29 are promoting policies that incentivize real emissions cuts and foster green industries, particularly given the country’s abundant solar and wind potential.
4. Global Early Warning System
In line with adaptation, the Philippines is also a strong supporter of China’s proposal for a global early warning system, announced at COP29. Given the frequency and intensity of extreme weather in the region, early warning systems could save lives and reduce economic losses by preparing communities for severe weather. Filipino leaders see this system as essential, though they urge the inclusion of data-sharing mechanisms that empower local communities to act proactively based on the warnings they receive. They emphasize that while early warning systems are beneficial, they must be paired with comprehensive disaster preparedness and response planning to be effective.
5. The U.S. Political Shift and Its Global Implications
The recent U.S. election of Donald Trump has cast a shadow over COP29. Trump’s climate policies in his previous term included withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, which significantly hindered global climate cooperation. With Trump potentially set to reintroduce such policies, nations like the Philippines face increased vulnerability. Trump’s climate stance could lead to decreased international cooperation, and potentially reduced contributions to the climate finance pool. This uncertainty places additional pressure on other major players, particularly the European Union and China, to shoulder more responsibility and leadership in the fight against climate change.
6. Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Disputes
The geopolitical dynamics at COP29 have also impacted its focus and discussions. Notably, France and Azerbaijan’s dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh and French colonial history has overshadowed some of the climate debates, with French President Emmanuel Macron absent from the conference. For the Philippines, these diplomatic distractions detract from critical discussions and reduce the likelihood of achieving substantive agreements. Additionally, this kind of tension at global summits threatens the collaborative atmosphere needed to drive forward the commitments made, especially regarding financial pledges and implementation timelines.
7. Youth and Civil Society Advocacy: Holding Leaders Accountable
In recent years, young people and civil society groups from the Philippines have become increasingly active in international climate discussions. At COP29, Filipino youth advocates are pressuring leaders to go beyond pledges, demanding specific actions and accountability measures that ensure promises translate into meaningful changes. Their advocacy has highlighted the local impacts of climate change, bringing international attention to issues such as food security, displacement, and biodiversity loss in the Philippines. The message is clear: the time for vague promises is over, and without accountability, the Philippines will continue to suffer disproportionate climate impacts.
8. The Philippines’ Renewable Energy Ambitions and Global Cooperation
While the Philippines faces immense climate-related challenges, it also sees COP29 as an opportunity to advance its renewable energy goals. The government has committed to a renewable energy roadmap that includes expanding solar, wind, and hydropower capacity. Philippine representatives at COP29 are seeking partnerships and investments that align with this vision, emphasizing the need for technology transfer and knowledge sharing to accelerate the country’s clean energy transition. By building resilient infrastructure and reducing its dependency on fossil fuels, the Philippines hopes to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable development and climate action.
Conclusion: A Call for Immediate and Sustained Action
As COP29 continues, the Philippines and other vulnerable nations are watching closely to see if wealthier countries will meet their climate finance commitments and whether mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund will truly benefit those in need. With the rising threat of climate-induced disasters, the stakes for the Philippines are higher than ever, and failure to act now could lead to escalating losses for future generations.
For the Philippines, COP29 is a pivotal moment. It represents not only a chance to secure the support needed to combat climate change but also an opportunity to hold major emitters accountable and demand climate justice. The outcomes of this summit will have profound implications for the Philippines’ future, shaping the nation’s resilience, economic stability, and ability to protect its citizens from the worsening impacts of climate change.
