The Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice (DCJ)
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN, 21 NOV 24 – Due to electoral losses and collapsing coalitions in key governments of the Global North, they have arrived in Baku with no money or mandates for the so-called Finance COP, the COP29. Posturing for political points back home, the US and the EU are once again accusing the Global South of blocking progress, while attempting to divide G77+China unity that is standing strong for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).
Developed countries and their mainstream media blame developing countries for “blocking” progress in the transition from fossil fuels, yet it is the very climate finance developed countries have failed to deliver that is needed to enable more ambitious cuts in emissions by developing countries.
Our warming world needs a fresh breeze of Caspian air for a big breakthrough in Baku but it seems set for a breakdown.
“We’re heading to the end of COP, and the balance is not on our side. Who are the arsonists who burned down our homes and then walked away from the flames? If the UK wants to show leadership, it will have to decarbonise by 2030 and provide 1 trillion in finance to be on track with its historical responsibilities. We need serious NDCs: the Global South cannot continue to develop the Global North. As COP29 draws to a close, the very future of humanity and our planet hangs in the balance. It’s time for an end to the hollow words from the USA, UK, and European countries about keeping 1.5°C alive, respecting human rights, and standing with the most vulnerable countries. Instead of claiming empty coffers while funding bombs for Gaza and handing out billions to fossil fuel giants, these countries must cut their carbon pollution, pay for the damage they’ve caused, and stop burning down the planet.”
Asad Rehman, War on Want
“Instead of taking responsibility for its actions, the EU refuses to pay up. Private money is not the answer: companies will always prioritise profit over people. Developing countries cannot increase their ambitions if they do not receive their fair share. Pay up and face responsibility.”
Nine de Pater, Friend of the Earth Netherlands
“The new text has no number on the NCQG and we’re two days away from the end of the COP. There’s nothing concrete from developed countries, they are not serious. The US has not delivered anything close to its fair share of climate finance. The developed countries must negotiate with good faith – not try to water down the very same obligations they’ve failed to meet. Stop distracting from their failure with issues like private finance and bullying China into paying.”
Brandon Wu, ActionAid USA
“Developed countries are gaslighting the developing world on fossil fuels by claiming that they want a phaseout but continuing to expand oil and gas production and exports. Just 5 countries – the US, Canada, Norway, Australia, and UK – are responsible for 51% of planned oil and gas expansion through 2050. Global North hypocrisy and a lack of commitments on finance are the primary reasons for lack of movement on mitigation.”
Collin Rees, Oil Change International
“It has been nearly 30 years since we have been coming to COP asking rich countries to pay up for their historical responsibility. To pay up for this crisis they have brought to our doors. We want climate finance in trillions as reparations to historic harm caused to our lands, resources and our peoples and we want it in public grants and not through neo-colonial frameworks disguised as investment plans, loans and false solutions like carbon markets, nature swaps and green bonds. We all know money is there. The rich countries are just choosing to fund war, conflict and genocide instead of climate action.”
Rachitaa Gupta, Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice