KARACHI:
As COP29 approaches, it’s deeply worrying to see some world leaders, including from major economies, planning to skip this critical climate summit. The absence of leaders from high-emitting nations like the United States could undermine the entire conference. This lack of participation sends a message of indifference, despite the worsening climate impacts being felt globally.
For countries in the Global South, especially those vulnerable to climate change, this indifference is a blow. Nations like Pakistan, which recently experienced devastating floods, are on the front lines of climate disasters. They are paying the price for emissions they had little role in creating. Yet, without strong commitments from wealthier nations, these countries are left struggling to recover and build resilience. Previous climate summits have resulted in many promises, but meaningful action often lags. Climate financing commitments made by wealthier nations frequently fall short, leaving developing countries without the resources they need to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts. Additionally, some developed countries are even rolling back their own climate policies, making it harder to reach the global targets set under the Paris Agreement.
If world leaders truly care about the planet, they must step up now. Climate change is a shared crisis. Attending COP29 and making genuine, actionable pledges is essential. Every degree of warming avoided is a life saved. If leaders don’t act, the consequences of climate inaction will only worsen, especially for the most vulnerable populations. It is about time, if not already late, for leaders to realise that skipping these discussions is not just neglecting a simple meeting, rather, they are neglecting the future of our planet. COP29 could be a turning point, but only if leaders show up and commit to the urgent, transformative changes needed.
Arisha Makeen
Turbat
