Shifting climate priorities

US absence at COP29 signals retreat from climate action, jeopardizing global emission-cutting goals.

After years of urgent calls for climate action, global leaders from key economies are now opting out of the United Nations COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan - a troubling signal for international climate efforts. The absence of the US in the summit starting today is particularly concerning.

President Joe Biden will not attend, citing post-election scheduling conflicts, and with former president Donald Trump now returning to office, many worry that the US may once again distance itself from global climate commitments.

Trump's history with climate policy includes withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement in 2017, a move that disrupted global cooperation and emboldened climate-skeptic positions within and beyond America's borders.

If Trump's past policies are any indication, his approach to COP29 could mean a shift back toward fossil fuels and away from international climate cooperation. This absence of leadership is a critical setback that will affect the ambitious emission-cutting goals that major economies finally had accepted after much ado.

Unfortunately, the timing of this retreat could not be worse. COP29 is expected to address increased funding and stricter global standards for emission reductions. When influential nations fail to participate, they inadvertently signal that climate action is no longer an immediate priority, making it easier for other countries to justify a weakened stance.

Now, without their active participation, there is a legitimate fear that COP29 may not lead to the robust agreements necessary to curb global warming within manageable limits.

Solidarity is not a choice but an obligation if the world is to address the injustices of climate change. The impacts are not confined to one region or continent.

They ripple across borders, impacting food security, migration patterns and global economic stability. It is time for major economies to reaffirm their commitments, not only by attending summits but also by taking decisive actions and following through on promises made.