New draft texts from the COP29 presidency landed in Baku on Friday afternoon. For the first time, the quantum of climate financing was quantified and the expanded donor base was also formulated. But, as we all know, the devil is in the detail.
By Nico Beckert
The industrialized countries and the major emerging economies are delighted with the Presidency's first proposal for the final texts of COP29. The poorer countries are up in arms. The deal could reorganize the existing fronts in climate policy.
By Bernhard Pötter
The Dubai strategy could be repeated at COP29: The presidency first delivers weak negotiating texts, only to present the big breakthrough that the frustrated delegations can then agree on after all. There are signs of a similar playbook in Baku.
By Bernhard Pötter
Normally, the debate on reducing emissions, i.e. mitigation, leads a shadowy existence at the COPs – especially at a financial COP like the one in Baku. But in the end and in light of the climate crisis, many countries are pushing for more serious steps. This is highly controversial.
By Bernhard Pötter
It was a long road until the coordinators nominated the six Executive Vice-Presidents and the Health Commissioner. All 26 Commissioners have now been confirmed by Parliament in the hearings. In recent years, Parliament has repeatedly blocked individual candidates.
By Till Hoppe
The EU possesses a range of instruments to respond to protectionist US trade policy. The pivotal question will be whether the member states can agree on a common approach. Chinese pressure could divide the EU.
By Marc Winkelmann
At COP29, the Arab group of states, Russia and the Vatican are blocking gender issues. Yet women and other marginalized groups are disproportionately bearing the brunt of the consequences of the climate crisis. The blockade could have far-reaching consequences.
By Nico Beckert
High-level bilateral talks between Xi and Western heads of government dominated the headlines at the APEC summit and the G20 meeting. However, the really important results for Beijing were achieved by China in the Global South. Xi presented himself as a stable trading partner.
By Manuel Changming Liu
The annual Clarivate citation ranking selects the world's most influential researchers. Most of them continue to come from the USA. However, the gap to China is shrinking, while the gap to the other countries is large. Germany is still among the leaders.
By Anne Brüning
The biodiversity conference in Cali called on the climate conference to draw up a joint work program for both conventions. The response from Baku may not come. However, progress on Article 6 also concerns biodiversity.
By Lukas Knigge
