COP29 Daily Bulletin: Thank you for following the Island Voices @ COP29

Thank you for following the Island Voices @ COP29
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Thank you for following the Island Voices @ COP29

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COP29: Final Negotiations

As COP29 winds down, the global summit is currently marked by significant divisions and a lack of substantial progress on critical issues. Despite intense negotiations, the summit hasn’t yet delivered a comprehensive and ambitious agreement to address the climate crisis.

 

A key point of contention was the issue of climate finance. While the document released by the UN yesterday hinted at a new, trillion-dollar global finance goal, the specifics remained elusive. This lack of clarity and commitment from wealthy nations to provide adequate funding to developing countries has been a persistent challenge. As Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, the Samoan chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), aptly stated, “The time for political games is over.”

 

Furthermore, the summit’s inability to uphold the pledge to transition away from fossil fuels is deeply concerning. This underscores the significant gap between rhetoric and action, and raises doubts about the global community’s willingness to prioritise climate ambition.

 

While the summit’s outcome is disheartening, it is not a cause for despair. The growing global movement for climate justice, the greater cooperation and the increasing awareness of the climate crisis offer hope for a more sustainable future. By working together, we can continue to make sure island nations and vulnerable communities increasingly thrive.

Next year's COP30 will be in Brazil

The following policy brief highlights the urgent issue of rising sea levels and its devastating impact on vulnerable nations like Tuvalu and coastal regions of Brazil. As the world already prepares for COP30 in Brazil next year, this issue should be a top priority. By taking a leadership role, Brazil can help address the challenges faced by nations like Tuvalu and its own coastal communities. This could involve supporting adaptation measures, advocating for increased climate finance, and promoting innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.

Watch or Re-watch our virtual side events

Missed a virtual session? The COP29 recordings are available on all our platforms

Yesterday, James Ellsmoor (CEO of Island Innovation) spoke in a session organised by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), the National Ocean Technology Center (NOTC), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) of the People’s Republic of China, China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF), Blue Praxis (Australia), the First Institute of Oceanography, and UNESCO/IOC Sub Commission for the Western Pacific.

 

Panellists explored the synergy between Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and the Blue Economy by showcasing innovative pathways, methods, and technologies for integrating MSP, and highlighted a pilot project on Malake and Ovalau islands (Fiji islands), offering insights into sustainable development and climate adaptation in marine environments.

The Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders gathered in-person, one last time, in a panel to discuss youth-led solutions for building resilience in fragile contexts and their adaptability to regions facing similar climate risks. In their session moderated by Island Innovation’s Project Manager Arianna Abdul-Nour, Genesis Whitlock, Whitney Melinard, Noelle Young and Jeshua Bardoo emphasised the continuous need for cross-border collaboration in regions such as the Caribbean.

James hosting a session during COP29
James with speakers at COP29

We had the wonderful opportunity to receive 2 inspiring Climate Leaders: The Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke (Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, Government of St. Kitts and Nevis) and the Hon. Kerryne James (Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, Government of Grenada) sharing their powerful insights in the Climate, Peace & Transboundary Pavilion.

 

Minister Clarke and Minister James shared their perspectives on effective leadership, and examined the intersection of climate action and justice, with a particular focus on how these elements drive meaningful change in vulnerable regions. We thank them both for their contribution!

More COP29 Photos

The team met with Leyla Hasanova, the Youth Climate Champion for COP29, and attended plenary sessions.

Not-to-be missed: COP29 Reflections and Takeaways

COP29 Reflections and Takeaways
This session will offer a reflection on COP29's key outcomes related to island nations, and members of the Island Innovation team will share their on-the-ground experiences and key takeaways from the summit.…
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Don't miss the next Island Innovation in-person event!

In-person event: The Global Sustainable Islands Summit has been officially announced! Island Innovation and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis will be co-hosting the 2nd edition of the in-person event in May 2025 in Saint Kitts and Nevis (Caribbean).

We will be gathering renowned professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address pressing challenges confronting island communities, focusing on Water Sustainability & Energy Nexus, Agricultural Resilience & Climate Adaptation and Climate-Health Interactions & Geothermal Energy.

Use the exclusive code “COP29” to get a discount (-$75) on your extra-early bird ticket, valid until the end of COP29 (November 30th)!

News And Key Insights

Today's island events at COP29

The Island Voices @ COP29 is also a platform to share information about island-related events during COP29. Here are some of today’s island related events:

Biodiversity loss and gender inequality: Challenges and opportunities and ways to forward in commonwealth

22 November, 10:00-10:45 AM (Baku)
Location: Commonwealth Pavilion
Org: Global Environmental and Climate Conservation Initiative (GECCI)

Green Jobs Futures: Women Leading the Way

22 November, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM (Baku)
Location: UNDP Pavilion
Org: UNDP

Mainstream Climate Information in African Subregions

22 November, 2:00-4:00 PM (Baku)
Location: CARICOM Pavilion
Org: OACPS, WMO, European Commission’s JRC, and more.

If you have relevant COP29 updates or announcements, please contact us via [email protected], and we’ll be happy to share them (keeping in mind we have to limit promotional content).

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