2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference facts for kids
 |
|
| Native name | Birləşmiş Millətlər Təşkilatının İqlim Dəyişikliyi Konfransı (2024) |
|---|---|
| Date | 11–22 November |
| Location | Baku, Azerbaijan |
| Organised by | Azerbaijan |
| Participants | UNFCCC member countries |
| President | Mukhtar Babayev |
| Previous event | ← Dubai 2023 |
| Next event | → Belém 2025 |
The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP29, was a big meeting about climate change. It was the 29th time this conference happened. It took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.
Leaders and experts from around the world met to talk about how to slow down climate change. They also discussed how to help countries, especially those still developing, switch to cleaner energy. The main goal was to agree on ways to pay for these important changes.
Contents
What is COP29?
COP29 stands for the Conference of the Parties. It is the 29th meeting of countries that are part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These meetings happen every year. They bring together world leaders, scientists, and activists. They all work together to find solutions for climate change.
Why is COP29 important?
COP29 is important because it helps countries work together. Climate change affects everyone, so global teamwork is key. The conference aims to set new goals and make plans. These plans help reduce harmful gases and protect our planet.
Getting Ready for COP29
Before the main meeting, there were many smaller talks. These talks helped set the stage for COP29.
Paris Agreement and Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan signed the Paris Agreement in 2016. This agreement is a big promise by countries to fight climate change. It aims to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. Ideally, it should be below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Azerbaijan officially agreed to this in 2017.
Important Meetings Before COP29
In June 2024, a meeting in Bonn, Germany, helped prepare for COP29. They talked about new money goals for climate action. They also discussed how countries can adapt to climate change.
In July 2024, Azerbaijan started a special fund. It is called the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF). This fund aims to collect money from countries and companies that produce fossil fuels. The money will help developing countries invest in clean energy. It will also support projects to fight climate change.
In October, another important meeting happened in Baku. Leaders discussed setting a new goal for climate finance. They also talked about helping communities affected by climate disasters. This meeting stressed the need to keep global warming at 1.5°C.
Who Organized COP29?
The President of Azerbaijan set up a special committee. This committee organized the COP29 conference. It included many government officials and experts. Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology, was the president of COP29.
What Was Discussed at COP29?
The main goal of COP29 was to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This means reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we put into the air. The conference focused on getting more money for climate action. It also aimed to make sure countries follow their climate promises.
Helping Vulnerable Communities
A big topic was the Loss and Damage Fund. This fund helps countries that are most affected by climate change. These are often small island nations or very poor countries. They need help to recover from floods, droughts, and other disasters.
Reducing Harmful Emissions
Leaders talked about reducing all kinds of emissions. This includes carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels. It also includes other gases like methane. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. The goal is to switch to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Adapting to Climate Change
The conference also focused on adaptation. This means preparing for the effects of climate change. Countries were encouraged to make plans for how they will deal with things like rising sea levels or extreme weather. They also discussed how to get more money for these adaptation efforts.
_(54131525176).jpg)
Daily Topics at COP29
The conference had different themes each day:
- November 11: Azerbaijan took over as president.
- November 12–13: World leaders met to discuss the Paris Agreement. They also talked about reducing methane.
- November 14: Focused on money and trade for climate action.
- November 15: Discussed energy and peace.
- November 16: Was the first Digitalization Day, focusing on sustainable digital practices.
- November 18: Human Development Day, highlighting youth, health, and education.
- November 19: Focused on food and water security.
- November 20: Discussed cities, transport, and tourism.
- November 21: Focused on local knowledge, gender equality, and protecting nature.
- November 22: Final negotiations to agree on commitments.
Where Was COP29 Held?
COP29 took place at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan. A large area was built next to the stadium for the conference. About 80,000 people attended the event.
The conference area had two main parts:
- Blue Zone: This was for official talks between governments and international groups. Countries had their own areas to show their climate efforts.
- Green Zone: This area was open to the public. Companies showed off their climate-friendly products and services.
Climate Finance: A Key Topic
.jpg)
A very important part of COP29 was climate finance. This means how to get enough money to help developing countries. They need funds to deal with climate change and switch to clean energy.
New Money Goals
A big discussion was about the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). This is a new financial target for after 2025. It builds on a previous promise of $100 billion each year. Banks and organizations promised to increase their climate lending. For example, the World Bank and European Investment Bank pledged $120 billion annually.
Loss and Damage Fund
Another key point was making the Loss and Damage Fund work. This fund gives money to countries hit hardest by climate disasters. It helps them rebuild and recover.
New Ways to Fund Climate Action
COP29 looked for new ways to get money. One idea is "blended finance." This combines money from governments and private companies. Another idea is "debt-for-nature swaps." This lets countries use money they owe to fund environmental projects instead. These ideas help get more money for climate action without adding to countries' debt.
Carbon Credit Trading
Leaders also agreed on rules for trading carbon credits. This is a system where countries or companies can buy and sell credits. Each credit allows a certain amount of greenhouse gas emissions. This system can help unlock billions of dollars for climate projects. It especially helps developing countries.
Moving Towards Clean Energy
COP29 also focused on the "energy transition." This means moving away from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The goal is to use more clean, renewable energy.
Phasing Out Fossil Fuels
A key aim was to set timelines for stopping the use of coal. They also discussed developing green hydrogen. This is a clean fuel made using renewable energy. These steps are vital to reach the Paris Agreement goals.
Fair Transition for All
The conference also talked about making sure this energy change is fair. Some countries rely heavily on fossil fuels for their economy. COP29 aims to help these countries switch to clean energy without causing big problems for their people. This means sharing technology and resources. It also means building new, sustainable energy systems around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático de 2024 para niños
- 2024 in climate change
- Climate change in Azerbaijan
