Global leaders confront financial aid, methane regulation and US climate stance at COP29

World leaders and climate advocates gather in Baku for COP29, focusing on setting climate finance goals, energy transitions and countering the effects of the U.S.'s shifting commitments under Trump.

Jake Bittle reports for Grist.

In short:

COP29's top priority is determining new financial aid targets from wealthy countries to support climate adaptation in developing nations, though debates over adequate contributions persist.
U.S. leadership in global climate action is in doubt as Trump’s reelection looms, putting pressure on other major economies, especially China and the EU, to fill the gap.
Regulators will push for stronger methane emission rules, including agriculture for the first time, and revisit debates over nuclear energy and carbon capture.

Key quote:

“It is about whether the finance actually reaches the ones who need it the most.”

— Emilie Beauchamp, International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Why this matters:

Developing countries, often least responsible for climate change, need funds to address worsening climate impacts, yet they struggle to secure reliable aid. As the U.S. retreats, other nations must decide whether to expand their commitments to meet global climate goals.

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Global leaders confront financial aid, methane regulation and US climate stance at COP29

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