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The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) is focused on the commitment of the world's wealthiest nations and top polluters to those experiencing the most devastating effects of climate change; developing nations. Pledges and commitments have been made over the last several decades, yet the richest nations continue to emit increasing levels of CO2 through industry and producing and consuming unsustainable levels of fossil fuels, while also failing to take the actions necessary to curb the effects on poorer nations.

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Over 50 billion metric tons of CO2 are released into the Earth’s atmosphere on an annual basis. This is the primary driving force behind man-made climate change.

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The majority of these gases come from non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, and pollution.

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Not all nations and industries harbor the same level of responsibility for the effects of the climate crisis. The countries that pollute the most are consistently called to take significant action to reduce their emissions and invest in sustainable environmental projects.

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During annual events, such as the Conference of Parties, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations Climate Change Conference, there is a constant clash of interests between nations, corporations, and different sectors that are fuelling the climate crisis.

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These discussions are frequent and critical for paving the way forward to mitigate the disastrous effects of climate change that many people around the world are increasingly experiencing, but lack the political will to see real change.

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Holding polluters accountable for their role in this crisis is challenging when economic interests clash with climate change challenges. The actions needed to make significant changes on a global level require the participation of many actors.

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There are five particular nations that are the most significant contributors to pollution, largely attributed to industry and dependency on fossil fuels.

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China emits over 14 billion tons of CO2, largely due to its reliance on coal.

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The United States emits more than 6 billion tons of CO2.

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India, with 3.5 billion tons of CO2.

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The European Union collectively emits over 3.4 billion tons of CO2.

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Russia, with 2 billion tons of CO2.

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The other top polluters include Japan, Brazil, Iran, Indonesia, and Mexico.

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A year on from the significant agreement between nations to transition from coal, oil, and gas, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) is taking place in November 2024 in Azerbaijan, one of the world’s major oil and gas producers.

Pictured is Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, who was formerly an executive at state oil company SOCAR.

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The United States is producing more oil than any other country, and the project is set to continue increasing under the impending Trump presidency, as the controversial leader challenges the existence of climate change and its impact.

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In addition to the use of fossil fuels, war, too, has a significant impact on the climate, particularly for already vulnerable nations. In just the first 60 days of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, conservative estimates state that 281,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide were released, equivalent to 150,000 tons of coal.

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Simultaneously, 2024 is likely to be the hottest year ever recorded, set to break 2023's troubling record-setting temperatures. These measurements offer a difficult outlook for the continuation of accelerated climate change progression.

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The current rate of global warming is approximately 1.5°C per year, a shocking figure that's reflected in increasing disasters, such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods.

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Yet, in the November 2024 talks, nations are now focused on developing countries. The United Nations Executive Secretary for Climate Change is calling on wealthier nations, namely the highest producers of pollution, to provide funding to mitigate the effects of climate change in poorer nations.

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According to AP News, US$1.3 trillion a year is what’s needed in the developing world to deal with issues relating to climate crises. A former agreement had placed the figure at around $100 billion, per year.

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This funding would likely come from private financing, including grants and loans, rather than donations and projects.

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African nations, who produce a mere 7% of emissions, are facing the brunt of climate change. Increasingly, nations are forced to cope with sudden flooding and droughts caused by man-made climate change.

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COP29 president, Mukhtar Babayev, stated: “People are suffering in the shadows. They are dying in the dark. And they need more than compassion. More than prayers and paperwork. They are crying out for leadership and action.”

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Pacific nations, too, are asking for technical and financial assistance as small islands are facing the risk of sinking due to rising sea levels.

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While it’s clear that financial assistance is necessary to help mitigate the effects of climate change for poor nations, the most substantial outcome needed is global cooperation to significantly lower emission rates.

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However, COP29 offers little hope. Both leaders from China and the United States, the two countries that need to make the most significant monetary contributions, did not attend the event, sending representatives in their place.

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Poor nations, already facing extreme climate issues, have expressed frustration at the lack of engagement from world leaders, and the pressure they are experiencing in dealing with climate change issues without the means to do so.

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The focus on poorer nations moving toward clean energy sources, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and receiving compensation, will not be sufficient when the world’s top polluters continue to emit increasing amounts of CO2.

Sources: (The Washington Post) (Climate Trade) (AP News) (The Guardian) (Business Standard) (AOL)