Future of Climate Change Negotiations: Key Takeaways from COP29 and the Road to COP33

A high-level roundtable discussion, “Future of Climate Change Negotiations: Lessons from COP29,” was held in New Delhi to discuss the outcomes of COP29, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event, organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), brought together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to address the pressing climate issues faced by the Global South, with a focus on climate finance, adaptation, and the ongoing energy transition.

Insights on COP29 Outcomes and the Global South’s Climate Strategy

Mr. RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow at TERI, kicked off the session by summarizing key takeaways from COP29 and highlighting the shift in negotiation formats over the years. He noted that many countries of the Global South expressed disappointment over the low ambition of climate finance outcomes in Baku. “The developed world is unwilling to shoulder its responsibility of providing commensurate finance to support developing countries’ climate actions,” Rashmi said, stressing the importance of holding developed nations accountable and building stronger solidarity among the Global South.

Dr. Manish Kumar Shrivastava, Associate Director at TERI, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the political dynamics and principles at the core of COP negotiations. He warned that the increasing burden on developing countries was a significant worry and stressed the need for greater unity among these nations to protect their interests in future climate negotiations.

Preparing India for COP33 in 2028

The discussions turned to the stark divide between developed and developing nations in addressing climate challenges. Ambassador Manjeev Puri, Distinguished Fellow at TERI, praised India’s leadership in representing the Global South’s concerns at COP29. He noted that, despite some progress on carbon markets and finance, much work remains for future COPs. “India showcased the voice of developing countries,” Puri said.

Sanjay Seth, Senior Director at TERI, highlighted India’s leading role in the built environment, particularly in sectors like cement and concrete, where cleaner processes have gained traction. He emphasized that building resilience must remain an ongoing effort for achieving long-term success.

The Role of Adaptation and Philanthropy in the Global Climate Agenda

Ms. Suruchi Bhadwal, Director at TERI, discussed the challenges surrounding adaptation, stating that the focus on developing country processes risks duplicating efforts. She called for a global approach to adaptation that connects institutions and tracks progress through standardized indicators.

Ms. Manavi Bhardwaj, representing the India Climate Collaborative, pointed out that philanthropy could play a pivotal role in fostering solidarity within the Global South and in facilitating dialogues between various stakeholders ahead of COP conferences.

Ms. Avantika Goswami, Programme Manager at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), voiced concerns about the shifting of responsibilities from developed nations. She questioned the commitment of the private sector to contribute to climate finance and stressed the need for stronger coalitions among the Global South in a divided world.

India’s Preparations for COP28 and Beyond

Dr. Ritu Mathur, Director at TERI, urged India to avoid getting bogged down in debates on infrastructure and fossil fuels and instead focus on a careful assessment of sectors for achieving a net-zero pathway. She called for a clear distinction between economic and social impacts.

Dr. Prabhat Upadhyaya, representing the African Climate Foundation, reminded participants of the urgency to refocus efforts on what must be done in the coming years, particularly with the GST coinciding with US elections. “India must build a narrative and partnerships to push the developing country agenda at COP33,” he said.

Industry’s Role in Climate Action

Industry representatives discussed the critical role of the private sector in driving innovation, sustainable practices, and financial contributions to climate action. While India’s leadership in transitioning to cleaner processes was noted, challenges in technology transfer and financial needs for achieving net-zero goals were also emphasized. The agreement on Article 6, which focuses on international carbon markets, was welcomed, but concerns were raised about the challenges of integrating India’s domestic carbon market with global standards.

A Unified Stand for the Global South

The session concluded with a collective reaffirmation of the need for robust preparations for COP30 in Brazil and COP33 in India. Participants stressed that the Global South must unite to advocate for equity, push ambitious climate finance goals, and challenge systemic disparities in international climate governance.

As the discussions wrapped up, the participants emphasized that the road ahead for climate change negotiations requires a unified and strategic approach, with India positioning itself as a global leader in the 2028 COP.