Beginning Monday, leaders from around the world will convene in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic, for approximately two weeks. Their primary aim is to address financial responsibilities of wealthier nations in supporting developing countries adversely affected by climate change.

However, developments from the recent U.S. elections, alongside a potential return of a Trump administration, could overshadow these discussions.

The election outcomes may lead to a drastic shift in environmental policies from one of the richest countries present at this global summit, casting doubt on its participation in future events and possibly even withdrawing from a significant international climate agreement.

Here are the key details regarding this annual global event known as COP (Conference of the Parties).

What is COP29?

COP29, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a pivotal meeting featuring representatives from 197 countries that participate in the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change. The summit will run from Monday through November 22 and is being referred to as “the finance COP.”

Attendance is anticipated to exceed 40,000 individuals. This 12-day assembly will unite diplomats, scientists, advocates, lobbyists, environmental organizations, and businesses from nations that have agreed to a treaty aimed at averting “dangerous” interference by humans with the climate.

“Billions of people are counting on us to provide climate finance at a scale appropriate to this urgent issue. We will do everything we can to establish an ambitious and equitable new target in Baku at COP29,” stated Mukhtar Babayev, the COP29 President-Designate, in a briefing.

This includes the United States for the moment, but its continued participation is uncertain.

How is the US Election Related to COP29?

The recent re-election of Donald Trump suggests a potential overhaul of U.S. climate policy by 2025, which could cast uncertainty on the nation’s role at COP29.

Throughout his campaign, Trump labeled climate change a hoax and indicated plans to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord should he win.

At a rally in Las Vegas last September, he remarked, “It’s the most unfair document you’ve ever seen.”

YSL News reached out to the Trump campaign regarding their plans for UN climate agreements.

Advocates express concern that the upcoming Trump administration poses significant challenges for global climate action.

“This year’s climate summit comes after the critical re-election of the worst climate president in U.S. history,” declared Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“The U.S. plays an essential role in addressing this crisis, but the election outcomes mean an uncertain path ahead,” he added.

What is the Paris Agreement?

COP29 is connected to the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the foundational treaty for UN climate discussions. The U.S. signed this treaty in June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro under President George HW Bush, a Republican.

The UNFCCC serves as the basis for the Paris Agreement, an international accord involving nearly 200 nations aiming to combat climate change, which the U.S. joined in 2015 under President Obama, a Democrat. This treaty has been a source of intense political debate within the U.S.

In 2020, then-President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, but the country rejoined it just over three months later following Joe Biden’s election.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement again. Reports suggest that a future Trump administration may also seek to exit the entire UN climate framework, as noted by Politico and Bloomberg.

Exiting either of these agreements necessitates at least a year to take effect, as original agreements require a formal notice of intent and a subsequent waiting period of one year before withdrawal is finalized.

How is Global Progress Against Climate Change?

Not particularly well.

A recent report from the United Nations’ Environment Program indicated that global emissions need to decrease by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 to meet the Paris Agreement’s objective of limiting the rise in global temperatures to below 2.7 degrees (1.5 degrees Celsius).

The findings reveal that nations worldwide are falling significantly short of their agreed targets.

Surpassing these temperature thresholds would lead to catastrophic consequences for the planet, including increased instances of drought, flooding, heavy rainfall, and wildfires, as highlighted in the report.

This year is on track to become the warmest on record and marks the first year

According to the European Copernicus Institute, global temperatures have risen by 2.7 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels.