Recently the media mentioned frequently COP29 – what is a COP?
The United Nations organizes regularly Climate Change Conferences. They go with a bit complicated title: Conference of the Parties (or short: COP), that means meetings of a group of nations that have signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The first COP – COP1 – was held in 1995 in Berlin in Germany. At that time, here were already participants from 160 countries with 860 delegates, and 53 observer states – Cambodia being one of them.
Comparing COP1 with the latest COP29, which met from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku in Azerbaijan, shows the enormous increase in the concern for our environment: over 32,000 persons were participating, representing 198 Parties to the Convention and about 4,000 observers, present from non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, and other organizations concerned with climate change.
The meeting was opened by the UN Secretary General António Guterres, pointing to the urgency of the climate crisis: “The sound you hear is the ticking clock. We are in the final countdown to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.” – a reference to the goal set by COP21: to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5° centigrade above pre-industrial levels. Highlighting present devastating extreme weather events, he stressed that “no country is spared” from these effects, therefore calling for immediate actions to cut emissions and to ensure that climate finance is made available.
The other opening address, by Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, addressed disappointment and disillusionment about the world situation. He criticized the countries of France and the Netherlands for the way they handle climate change in their overseas territories, calling it “neocolonialism”, addressing international injustice and environmental exploitation.
The government of Papua New Guinea withdraw from COP29. criticizing the “empty promises and inaction” of major polluting countries. The government of Argentina expressed their displeasure by recalling their delegation already in Azerbaijan. Argentina’s far right President Milei called the climate crisis to be a “socialist lie”, praising the political positions of the elected next US president Trump to minimize government involvement in climate issues. Previously, as president, Trump had initiated the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, and among his future government plans is a clear promotion of fossil fuels, while he had criticized renewable energy technologies – wind and solar power – calling them inadequate.
COP29 happened while there was deep concern about the situation of the world, but also doubts and skepticism holding back actions. There is a discrepancy between the increasing use of renewable energy and the increasing use of fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectricity grow slower than the fossil fuels being used increasingly.
The following three concerns were central on the way to the final COP29 decisions:
• Tripling climate finance: Developed countries pledged to mobilize US$300 billion annually by 2035 to help developing nations transition to sustainable energy sources.
• Carbon trading rules: Countries agreed on rules for carbon trading under the Paris Agreement, creating a global carbon market.
• Focus on climate finance: The conference emphasized the need for more substantial financial support for developing countries to tackle climate change.
The aim of the UN’s COP29 – the “climate finance COP” – was to establish new annual climate financing targets to replace the former pledge of US$100 billion annually, set in 2009. There is one consensus: the existing climate finance available to developing countries is nowhere near enough to withstand worsening climate impacts.
The meeting, which appeared at times to be on the brink of collapse, ended ”With a Bitter Fight and a Deal on Money“. The financing plan, which calls for $300 billion per year in support for developing nations, was immediately assailed as inadequate, referring to estimates that the needs of developing countries are about $1.3 trillion per year.
“It is a paltry sum,” said an Indian delegate. Other delegates from Bolivia, Nigeria, and Fiji criticized the results furiously. The delegate from Panama said: “This process was chaotic, poorly managed, and a complete failure in terms of delivering the ambition required.”
But the world has to live with this for now. Countries are expected to submit updated emissions-reduction pledges before February 2025, with a special expectations towards China, responsible for 30% of global emissions, and the United States, where the next administration will take a U-turn and reverse much progress, according to the country’s climate envoy John Podesta. Virtually all of president-elect Donald J. Trump’s cabinet choices and key advisers support his plan to extract more oil and gas and erase environmental rules.
Where is Cambodia in this context?
The Cambodian Ministry of Environment had released a comprehensive handbook ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, committing to transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
“The handbook aims to inform the public about Cambodia’s commitment to sustainability, outlining the country’s efforts to become carbon-neutral by 2050 and significantly increase its forest area.
“The handbook is a vital tool for environmental practitioners. It is designed to support targeted actions against climate change and facilitate resource mobilization to address its impacts while enhancing the country’s climate resilience. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement – which emphasized the need for ‘net zero’, a state at which global warming stops – Cambodia is committed to this.
“Cambodia has played an active role in international climate negotiations, contributing to key agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at reducing the emission of gases that contribute to global warming, and the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change. The handbook also outlines Cambodia’s long-term carbon-neutral development strategy, submitted in late 2021, aiming the zero emissions target by 2050. This plan reflects the country’s integrated approach to tackling climate change while promoting economic, social, and environmental development, in alignment with global peace and security goals.
“The Handbook will be updated annually. The Ministry welcomes comments to enhance its usefulness as a reference and platform for a deepening understanding of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiation processes, on climate change, which poses a serious threat to the people and the planet.
“At the national level, Cambodia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 through its Updated Nationally Determined Contribution, covering all key sectors.”
At the COP29, the Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth was leading a senior delegation, joining delegates from many countries, along with development partners, NGOs, and private sector representatives.
But how is this being translated into action in the country? There are a number of campaigns going on, like:
- Blue Skies & Net Zero 2050 Campaign – aiming at net zero emissions by 2050
- Cambodia Sa’at (Beautiful) and Khmer Can Do – encouraging the public to spend 15 minutes every Saturday cleaning up their local environment
- Ponlok Baitong (sprouting of green seedlings) – a campaign focuses on planting trees and promoting reforestation
- Community Clean-Up Events and Recycling Programs – organized by NGOs and local organizations
But there were also some recent confrontations between the government and environment activists. On 25 November 2024, Cambodian authorities arrested six environment activists who were investigating what they considered to be illegal logging in Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park in Stung Treng. Illegal activities should not be tolerated – but while the public read about their arrest, the public could not read details about the suspected logging. The impression of a lack of clarity remains – and not an encouragement for environment protection activities
In July 2024, ten members of the environmental group Mother Nature Cambodia were sentenced to prison terms of 6 to 8 years, charged of conspiracy to commit a crime. They claimed to campaign against destructive infrastructure projects and alleged corruption. While their sentencing was reported, I did not see reports clarifying that the infrastructure project which was questioned by them was actually not destructive.
Will these actions deter future environmental efforts in the country, or how can it be clarified that the authorities encourage civic action, as the Minister of Environment is calling for?
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