COP29’s $300 Billion climate deal criticized as ‘woefully inadequate’ by activists

The package is meant to help developing countries fight the effects of global warming, such as extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and droughts. 

However, campaigners believe that the money is not enough to meet the urgent needs of those most affected by climate change.

Jasper Inventor, the head of the Greenpeace delegation at COP29, expressed frustration with the deal. 

He said, “The finance goal is far too small compared to the level of action needed. People are fed up and disappointed, but we will continue to fight. We must keep pushing for real change.” Inventor stressed the importance of hope and public pressure as they look forward to COP30 in Belem, Brazil.

Ed Miliband, the UK’s Energy Secretary, called the deal “critical” and an “11th-hour agreement.” He stated that it was important progress, but many feel it does not go far enough to address the needs of the world’s most vulnerable nations.

U.S. President Joe Biden also spoke about the deal, acknowledging that there is still much work to be done. He said that the conference set an “ambitious international climate finance goal.” However, critics feel that the goal is far from what is actually needed to address the crisis.

WaterAid, an organization focused on water and sanitation, was particularly vocal in its criticism. Lesley Pories, a lead policy analyst for WaterAid, said, “This deal is nothing less than a death sentence for millions living on the frontlines of climate change. Experts say the world needs around $1 trillion annually to fight climate change, but this package is just a fraction of that.” WaterAid highlighted the importance of focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene as key areas for investment, as these issues are becoming more urgent due to climate change.

The global water crisis is worsening, with more people affected by floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. 

Pories warned that without more financial support, many people could suffer or even die from the effects of climate change. She also criticized the lack of clear goals for climate adaptation, saying that the deal failed to provide the necessary funding to help communities adjust to the impacts of climate change.

Other activist groups like Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion also criticized COP29’s failure to take stronger action. 

Just Stop Oil urged people to take to the streets, saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” The group pointed out that the fossil fuel industry still plays a huge role in climate change, and more needs to be done to stop the use of oil and gas.

Extinction Rebellion echoed this sentiment, saying, “COP29 has failed. It’s time for the fossil fuel era to end.” 

They emphasized that rich countries need to stop forcing poor nations into debt and instead provide grants to help them cope with climate change. Without stronger action, they argued, the world faces disaster.

Friends of the Earth, another environmental group, said that while the UK’s delegation had played a positive role, the overall outcome was still far from what was needed. 

Mike Childs, head of policy for Friends of the Earth, said, “These talks failed to solve the question of climate finance. Instead, they have kicked the can down the road, and developing countries are suffering as a result.”

Many believe the deal at COP29 did not go far enough to address the climate crisis. Despite the efforts made by some countries, the future of vulnerable communities remains uncertain. Activists are now calling for more action and greater financial commitment to help developing nations fight the impacts of climate change.