Greenpeace MENA: COP29 a Missed Opportunity for Climate Justice for Global South
The MENA region faces a double burden of escalating climate impacts and limited access to resources for adaptation and resilience
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) concluded with a deeply disappointing agreement on a climate finance goal of USD 300 billion by 2035. Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa expresses grave concerns over this woefully inadequate outcome, which falls far short of addressing the urgency of the climate crisis, leaving vulnerable countries in the MENA region and the Global South grappling with an escalating climate crisis while wealthy developed nations fall short of their responsibilities.
On the New Climate Finance Goal, the Executive Director of Greenpeace MENA Ghiwa Nakat stated:
“This outcome is a profound disappointment for the millions living on the frontlines of climate impacts across the MENA region and the Global South. While promises of climate finance are vital, the weak commitments at COP29 do little to address our communities’ immediate and long-term needs. The $300 billion annual climate finance goal by 2035 falls drastically short, particularly when adjusted for inflation, and lacks clarity on the type of financing, risking the inclusion of loans that could further strain the economies of vulnerable countries.“
Nakat continued, “The MENA region faces a double burden of escalating climate impacts and limited access to resources for adaptation and resilience. COP29 has shown once again that the priorities of the Global North do not align with the urgent needs of the Global South. This is not just a financial shortfall; it is a moral failure. This failure to prioritize equity and justice leaves our region to bear the consequences of a crisis it did not create.”
Nakat ended: “In solidarity with civil society organizations and climate advocates worldwide, Greenpeace MENA will continue to push for accountability from historic high-emitting nations. COP30 in Belem must be a turning point to rectify the injustices witnessed in Baku and to deliver real, just solutions that stand as a renewed commitment to urgent equitable climate action.”
