As the global community prepares for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, calls for urgent climate action have intensified. The organization We Don’t Have Time is raising concerns on key priority issues, particularly emphasizing the impacts of climate change on the Global South. The group urges negotiators to prioritize loss and damage and climate finance, both of which are critical to supporting climate action in developing countries.
We Don’t Have Time is well known for its role in connecting community-based discussions with global climate conversations, aiming to shape policies that address the specific needs of populations most affected by climate change.
Patrick Kiarie, Kenya’s Country Director for We Don’t Have Time, emphasizes that COP29 must focus on tangible actions in areas such as climate finance, technological innovation, capacity building, and support for nationally determined contributions (NDCs). He stresses that for developing countries, securing adequate funding for adaptation, enhancing resilience, expanding clean energy access, and ensuring equity in climate negotiations are crucial steps forward.
With the transition to green energy taking center stage in discussions on mitigation and sustainability, there are high expectations for COP29, often referred to as the “Finance COP,” to make meaningful progress toward the implementation of the Non-Proliferation of Fossil Fuels Treaty agreed upon at COP28 in Dubai. Kiarie notes that Azerbaijan, as a fossil fuel-producing nation, has an opportunity to lead by example in reducing fossil fuel dependence and promoting renewable energy adoption at scale.
Addressing loss and damage remains a significant challenge, as the increasing severity of climate change continues to result in the loss of lives, livelihoods, and property. The most vulnerable communities must be prioritized during deliberations, particularly through the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund.
“It’s time for the global community to recognize the moral obligation of supporting those bearing the brunt of unprecedented climate impacts by adopting the Loss and Damage Fund with equitable and transparent pathways for disbursement,” said Kiarie.
We Don’t Have Time is also amplifying the voices of young people, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in climate action. Through initiatives like Future Voices, a digital platform enabling global youth participation, the organization underscores the crucial role young people play in shaping the future of climate action.
