Baja Adventures at #COP29, 29th United nations climate change conference together with FINS initiative
The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP29, took place from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This significant gathering brought together nearly 200 countries, all committed to addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Regina Domingo and Leopoldo Sanmiguel at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
What is COP?
COP, or the Conference of the Parties, is the main decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It convenes annually to assess progress in combating climate change and to negotiate binding commitments for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The COP meetings serve as a crucial platform for countries to collaborate, share best practices, and develop new agreements to mitigate climate impacts.
COP29 Blue Zone conference, Baku, Azerbaijan
Key Highlights from COP29
COP29 was characterized by vital discussions and agreements focused on enhancing climate finance and fostering international cooperation. Notable outcomes included:
Tripling Climate Finance: A breakthrough agreement was reached to increase financial support for developing countries from USD 100 billion annually to USD 300 billion by 2035, with an overall goal of mobilizing USD 1.3 trillion per year by that time.
Nature-Based Solutions: Emphasis was placed on protecting ecosystems that can help mitigate climate impacts while supporting livelihoods. Indigenous peoples and local communities were recognized as essential partners in these efforts.
Innovative Solutions: Panels discussed critical topics such as regenerative tourism, marine conservation, and community engagement, highlighting the need for collective action.
Regina Domingo and Leopoldo Sanmiguel at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
Reflections after COP29
After ten days at COP29, we returned home to Loreto, Baja California Sur, feeling both inspired and sobered by our experiences. We were invited by the Fins Initiative, an organization dedicated to fighting for international nautical species, which underscored the importance of marine conservation in the broader climate agenda. During our time in Baku, we had the opportunity to screen impactful films such as FIN, directed by Eli Roth, and Sharkwater Extinction and REVOLUTION by Rob Stewart, along with our own documentaries produced in collaboration with Kuhl and Jackery USA.
Regina Domingo at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, screening SHARKWATER EXTINCTION by Rob Stewart
Engaging in panels allowed us to discuss pressing issues like regenerative tourism, ethics in marine life protection, the integration of technology into ocean monitoring, community engagement in marine conservation, education and advocacy for ocean health, lessons learned from global marine conservation successes…
Leopoldo Sanmiguel , Jalil from Fins initiative and Regina Domingo at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
The crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean degradation are interconnected challenges that affect us all—“we are in the same ship, and if it sinks, we sink together.”
Regina Domingo and Leopoldo Sanmiguel at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
While progress has been made at COP29, stronger targets and decisive actions are urgently needed. Nature-based solutions must lead our efforts forward.
COP29's Weak climate deal: A setback for global action on climate and nature
Countries at COP29 reached a climate finance agreement that is deeply disappointing, failing to meet the urgent needs of developing nations. The conference, which concluded this weekend in Baku, Azerbaijan, threatens to delay vital climate action when immediate efforts are crucial. After two weeks of intense negotiations, the agreed financing of $300 billion annually by 2035 is inadequate, especially since developing countries sought over $1 trillion in support.This weak agreement not only jeopardizes global efforts to address climate change but also leaves vulnerable communities increasingly exposed to devastating climate disasters. It's disheartening to see a lack of commitment from national and corporate leaders to exceed this agreement and provide the necessary funding for transformative changes.Moreover, there has been a troubling disconnect between climate action and biodiversity loss throughout the negotiations. Despite the clear interdependence of these issues, COP29 failed to send a strong message about the urgency of addressing both climate change and the ongoing decline in biodiversity.While G20 leaders called for a drastic increase in climate financing, the commitment made at COP29 does not align with these ambitions and comes far too late. A last-minute addition proposed a roadmap to increase funding to $1.3 trillion for developing nations, yet skepticism remains about whether this target can be achieved.The absence of a clear directive on emissions reduction and fossil fuel phase-out at COP29 is particularly disheartening. We cannot allow this disappointing outcome to divert our attention from the urgent need to enhance emission reduction goals and protect our planet's precious ecosystems.As we move forward, we must recognize that climate action and biodiversity conservation are intertwined. If we fail to address both simultaneously, we risk sidelining crucial elements of our collective future. The stakes have never been higher, and it is essential that we unite our efforts to ensure a sustainable planet for generations to come.
Protest at Blue Zone COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
At organizations like Nakawe Project and Baja Adventures, we remain committed to protecting the ecosystems of Baja California Sur. Inspired by cooperative strategies observed in nature—such as those exhibited by orcas—we aim to empower local communities as vital allies in conservation efforts.
As we move forward from COP29, we carry with us a renewed purpose and a call to action: the time to act is now.
Together, we can ensure a sustainable future because the stakes have never been higher.