COP29: A Fragile Deal Amid A Fiery Climate Crisis
World leaders struck a historic but divisive climate deal at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Saturday, committing wealthy nations to provide $300 billion annually by 2035 to help poorer countries combat the catastrophic impacts of climate change. Yet, for many developing nations, this pledge falls woefully short of the financial lifeline they desperately need. The agreement emerged after two weeks of fraught negotiations marred by boycotts, walkouts, and sharp political disputes. Talks seemed on the brink of collapse multiple times, with vulnerable nations expressing outrage at the slow pace and perceived inadequacy of action. Finally, at 2:40 a.m. Sunday, nearly 30 hours past the deadline, the deal was sealed with a mix of relief and resentment. "A Tough Road, but We Delivered a Deal" Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Azerbaijani official, celebrated the agreement as a triumph of diplomacy: "People doubted Azerbaijan could deliver. They were wrong." Simon Stiell