The 29th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from the 11th-22nd November 2024, has been a prime focus for global climate change action. Bringing together leaders, experts, and advocates, the conference aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. For the UK, COP29 has provided a platform to reaffirm its commitment to achieving net zero and enhancing the renewable energy landscape.
According to the UNFCCC website, this conference set out to address critical climate issues, including Party reports, adaptation, loss and damage, finance, technology, and capacity-building, with a focus on support for the least developed countries.
COP29 Azerbaijan outlined the key objectives for each day of the 12-day conference:
1. COP29 Opening
2. World Leaders Climate Action Summit
3. World Leaders Climate Action Summit
4. Finance, Investment and Trade Day
5. Energy / Peace, Relief and Recovery Day
6. Science, Technology and Innovation / Digitilisation Day
7. Rest Day and No Thematic Programming Day
8. Human Development / Children and Youth / Education Day 9. Food, Agriculture and Water Day 10. Urbanisation / Transport / Tourism Day
11. Nature & Biodiversity, Indigenous People, Gender Equality, Oceans and Costal Zones Day
12. Final negotiations
In regard to net zero goals within the UK, COP29 has reinforced the nation’s commitment to its legally binding target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The UK played a key role at COP29 by showcasing its progress in reducing emissions and growing its clean energy sector. It introduced initiatives such as the Clean Industry Bonus and promoted green finance projects, including the CIF Capital Market Mechanism, to help other countries fund renewable energy solutions.
In addition, the UK disclosed its top priorities for COP29, including updated emission reduction targets, securing an ambitious new climate goal (NCQG), and promoting the green power alliance. The UK emphasised the need for global cooperation, highlighting how climate action can protect the environment while creating jobs and boosting the economy.
The conference also provided an opportunity for the UK to demonstrate its advancements in offshore wind energy, green hydrogen technology, and the transition away from fossil fuels. Discussions focused on securing international partnerships to bolster the deployment of renewable energy technologies and aligning domestic policies with the 2030 emissions reduction target of 68%. The UK also highlighted its investment in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) as a key component of its energy strategy.
At COP29’s Energy Day, Members of Parliament and lawmakers from 32 nations declared their support for the Green Energy Zones and Corridors initiative, aimed at progressing renewable energy investment. The pledge focuses on establishing frameworks to attract funding and develop infrastructure critical to advancing the global energy transition.
At COP29, the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda (CSET) highlighted the urgent need to accelerate progress towards net zero goals and renewable energy expansion. Emphasising the commitment to triple renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, CSET underscored the importance of inclusive, collaborative action. Nations were called to align their national development plans with tailored NDCs while addressing challenges such as the responsible sourcing of critical energy transition minerals. This agenda reflects the broader COP29 focus on uniting global efforts to achieve a sustainable energy future and to stay within the 1.5°C climate threshold.