At the start of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), which will take place in Baku from 11 to 22 November 2024, the aid organisation Misereor is calling on the German government to push for the end of fossil fuels and to advocate an early European phase-out date for coal, oil and gas. The conference should be used to expand international cooperation in the global energy transition. Misereor sees great potential in urban development.
Goals of the last COP have receded into the distance
"At the last COP in Dubai, the countries finally agreed to push ahead with the end of fossil fuels. This was the starting signal to accelerate the globally just energy transition. However, after just one year, many of the signatory states to the climate conference seem to have forgotten their commitments," warns Misereor climate expert Madeleine Wörner. "A convincing step by the EU would be to announce ambitious phase-out dates for fossil fuels, for example the phase-out of coal by 2030, gas by 2035 and oil by 2040. That would be a clear signal to initiate European climate neutrality by 2040. In addition to political will, we need support in terms of financing, the exchange of technologies and partnerships that put development goals at the centre," demands Wörner.
Industrialised countries must lead the way
Around five trillion euros are currently flowing into the stabilisation and expansion of fossil fuel structures worldwide. "This is money that could be invested in sustainable renewable energies instead. In Asia and Africa in particular, there are huge areas that are well suited for solar and wind energy. At the upcoming climate conference, negotiations will centre on future global climate financing. It is crucial for the implementation of sustainable measures that will also benefit people in the Global South. They are feeling the consequences of the climate crisis particularly keenly and must not be left alone by the industrialised countries, as they are the ones causing the climate crisis," says Wörner.
Utilising potential in cities
In addition to the global energy transition, the upcoming COP29 should focus more strongly on the enormous energy demand in cities. Around 70 per cent of the world's greenhouse gases are consumed there, and the trend is rising. Cities therefore play a major role in fuelling the climate crisis - at the same time, sustainable urban development has the potential to reduce emissions. This is because a large part of the urban infrastructure is only just being created, especially in Asia and Africa. When building future cities, structures can be created directly that enable sustainable energy and development. According to studies, the energy-saving potential of newly emerging cities is up to 90 per cent. This is why Misereor project partner Aravind Unni from India is calling for the following at the COP: "Negotiations and decisions must prioritise the integration of a strong urban perspective. In this way, we can start working now to create socially just and sustainable cities".
Note to editors:
Misereor has been participating in the international climate negotiations since 2007. This year too, Misereor is on the ground and is supporting the participation of partner organisations from the Global South. Misereor experts and partners will be available for interviews and assessments at COP29.
Misereor experts on site:
Madeleine Wörner, Energy Policy Officer, Mobile: +49 151 554 227 70, Mail: Madeleine-Alisa.Woerner@misereor.de (on site from 11 to 22 November)
Dr Almuth Schauber, Urban Climate Policy Officer with a focus on Asia, Mobile: +49 151 176 417 89, Mail: Almuth.Schauber@misereor.de (on site from 13 to 22 November)
