As negotiations at COP29 in Baku ended, new UN talks on plastic pollution started in Busan.

We’re almost mid-decade where emissions need to drop – fast… So, what was the outcome of COP in Baku anyway?

👉A finance deal was agreed at the 11th hour. There won’t be a trillion+ as developing countries said is needed, instead a ‘modest’ $300 billion a year was agreed. But still, this is triple today’s amount (due to expire in 2025)

👉China pointed out that they are technically still a developing country, so delegates pledged that China will donate to the climate fund on a voluntary basis

👉There was a lot of awkwardness at this year’s COP, partly related to Trump’s victory. Trump wants to exit all climate action, including the Paris Agreement (to limit global warming to 1.5°C). But even the Exxon chief urges Trump to keep the US in The Paris Agreement

👉There were discussions around AI and how this can help climate, including recent accurate hurricane predictions (a change from the usual AI = more emissions talk)

👉Agreements were made on global carbon credit trading – this concept has been around for ages but the rules are now set (hopefully this will uncover shady credit trading)

🤔Looking to Brazil next year the big question remains: will delegates agree on transitioning away from fossil fuels?

From Baku to Busan for the plastics pollution treaty-talks:

-5th and final discussions to agree something legally binding on plastic production (to end plastic pollution) and chemicals used

-Although, this will be tricky as there are a lot of delegates from the fossil fuel and plastic production industries

-Powerful quote by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation:

“If we don’t act now, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans.”

Happy Friday!

And while you are here, have a look at my services to see how I can help you on your eco journey!

(Sources: Bloomberg, The Guardian, UN, Ellen MacArthur Foundation)