Developing nations urged to enhance transparency in climate finances

Mukhtar Babayev calls for improved financial accountability in climate actions as developing nations seek significant funding.

Fiona Harvey reports for The Guardian.


In short:

  • At the upcoming COP29, a new global goal for climate finance will be established, with transparency as a key focus.
  • Babayev emphasizes the creation of a "transparency mechanism" to foster trust and effective climate action among nations.
  • Current challenges include the discrepancy in reported emissions and actual emissions, and the misuse of funds designated for climate initiatives.

Key quote:

“It’s very important to build this correct, good and honest trust between the parties.”

— Mukhtar Babayev, ecology minister of Azerbaijan

Why this matters:

At previous COP meetings, discussions around climate finance often centered on the commitments of developed nations to support developing countries in their climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. However, transparency has frequently been a stumbling block, with concerns about the adequacy and reliability of reported financial flows. The focus on transparency at COP29 aims to build trust among countries and ensure that funds are used effectively and reach their intended targets.

LISTEN: An audio diary from the COP28 climate conference

Weather Reconnaissance Aircraft
Credit: CherylCasey/BigStock Photo ID: 25715978

Volunteers work for NOAA to ensure hurricane data is collected

Staffing cuts and a federal government shutdown are stretching scientists’ ability to make valuable hurricane observations.
solar panel, wind turbines, and nuclear power plant
Credit: jaroslavav/BigStock Photo ID: 83377346

Ex-EPA head urges US to resist Trump attacks on climate action: ‘We won’t become numb’

Expanded climate action from cities and states could slash planet-heating pollution despite Trump's opposition.

The protective helmet of an oil worker is stained with oil and fuel oil.
Credit: Anoo77/BigStock Photo ID: 476056323

Donald Trump's fossil fuel agenda advances despite government shutdown

The government shutdown isn’t stopping the Trump administration from advancing its policy priorities, especially when it comes to fossil fuels.

Satellite view of Atlantic hurricane

Climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely, study suggests

Unusually warm ocean temperatures fueled one of the worst hurricanes on record. New research finds climate change increased the storm’s likelihood.
Coal jobs are disappearing on the Navajo Nation. Can Trump bring them back?
Credi: Png-Studio/BigStock Photo ID: 80776532

Coal jobs are disappearing on the Navajo Nation. Can Trump bring them back?

As the economic engine for the region, coal offered solid work. But it has also used up water, polluted the air and raised health concerns.
Geothermal power graphic illustration
Credit: VectorMine/ BigStock Photo ID: 349381177

Meet the coal miner who just started a geothermal drilling business

A Colorado entrepreneur is going all in on a renewable energy source that will keep him digging — and could be a model for other miners looking beyond coal.

Smokestacks emitting smoke against a blue sky

Why Scope 3 emissions are a big deal for Canada

Greenhouse gases released indirectly through business activities, called Scope 3 emissions, can be massive — but Canadian companies don’t report them
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.