Argentinian negotiators have abruptly left the global climate talks in Azerbaijan, following orders from President Javier Milei’s government. The unexpected departure occurred just three days into the two-week COP29 summit, cutting short Argentina’s opportunity to influence the discussions in Baku, where a new fund to aid poor and middle-income nations in dealing with climate change is being established.
The decision to withdraw Argentina from COP29 raises concerns about the future of the Paris Agreement, especially with the looming possibility of the US, under President-elect Donald Trump’s leadership, pulling out of the treaty once again. Despite these uncertainties, there has been no indication of other countries following suit, as confirmed by a negotiator who stated that there was no hint of a chain reaction among nations considering withdrawal.
While the departure of Argentina has sparked worry among some officials, the majority of countries participating in the climate talks remain committed to the global response needed to address climate change. Representatives from small island nations expressed hope that Argentina’s exit does not signal disengagement from other countries and emphasized the importance of global collaboration in tackling this pressing issue.
The COP29 presidency team refrained from commenting on Argentina’s abrupt exit, calling it a bilateral matter between the country and the United Nations. Despite this setback, the negotiations in Baku have made progress on the rules for trading emissions cuts, signaling a positive start to the summit.
Delegates at COP29 are preparing for the potential absence of the US from future climate summits, given the uncertainties surrounding the country’s stance on climate action. While diplomatic tensions arose between Azerbaijan and France, highlighting the complexities of global relationships, the overall mood among diplomats in Baku was uplifted by the UK’s new climate action plan and the efforts of development banks to allocate more funds to the new climate fund.
In the face of geopolitical challenges and shifting political landscapes, the need for collective action and cooperation to combat climate change remains paramount. As countries navigate the complexities of international climate negotiations, the global community’s shared responsibility in addressing this critical issue becomes increasingly evident.
