Global Leaders Meet for Climate Summit Amid Rising Temperature Concerns

In November 2024, global leaders convened in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), amid escalating concerns over rising global temperatures and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The summit aimed to accelerate climate action and reinforce commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Despite the urgency, COP29 faced notable challenges. Several key world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were absent from the summit, raising concerns about the level of global commitment to addressing climate change action.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that the world is in a "final countdown" to prevent catastrophic climate outcomes. He called for a 43% reduction in global emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels to stay within the 1.5°C target