Bulletin No. 37
COP29: A Mixed Path to Climate Justice
The 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, underscored both the urgency and the complexity of tackling the climate crisis. While some progress was made, particularly in the realm of carbon markets, there were significant concerns about the human rights implications and the effectiveness of certain agreements. Here, we explore the key takeaways from COP29, assess their impact, and highlight areas that were overlooked.
Key Agreements:
Carbon Trading: A Mixed Blessing
One of the most prominent outcomes of COP29 was the finalisation of rules for carbon trading markets, a concept first proposed nearly a decade ago. Countries and companies will now be able to trade carbon credits, allowing for the offset of emissions through investments in projects that reduce or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This agreement, hailed as a breakthrough, was pushed by the host country, Azerbaijan, and could pave the way for a global market in carbon trading (Financial Times; Carbon Brief).
The introduction of these markets, however, has raised concerns. While some advocates argue that properly regulated carbon markets could be a force for good by channelling funds into emission-reduction projects, critics warn that they could fall victim to greenwashing and fail to significantly reduce global emissions (Financial Times). For example, the reliance on loose oversight and voluntary agreements could lead to credits that don’t deliver real atmospheric changes. These risks could undermine trust in the carbon credit market and limit its potential to drive meaningful climate action (Business and Human Rights Resource Centre).
From a human rights perspective, the carbon market could disproportionately affect communities in low-income countries, particularly those involved in forestry and land-use projects. While these projects can provide economic opportunities, they can also lead to land grabs, displacement, and a loss of traditional rights for indigenous peoples (Amnesty International). Thus, ensuring that these markets operate transparently and with human rights safeguards is critical.
Loss and Damage Fund: A Step Toward Climate Justice
Another key development at COP29 was the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, designed to provide financial support to countries suffering from the irreversible impacts of climate change. However, the amount of funding pledged remains underwhelming, with wealthy nations failing to deliver on promises to adequately finance the fund. As a result, while the fund is a step in the right direction, its long-term efficacy will depend on the level of financial commitment from high-emission countries (Amnesty International; Carbon Brief).
This shortfall is especially concerning when considering the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, especially in the Global South. For these communities, the Loss and Damage Fund represents a critical lifeline, but its limited capacity risks leaving many without the necessary support to recover from climate-related disasters.
The Lack of Strong Fossil Fuel Commitments
Despite repeated calls for a more robust approach to phasing out fossil fuels, COP29 failed to reach strong agreements in this area. While there were discussions about transitioning towards cleaner energy, the role of fossil fuels in the global energy mix remains entrenched. Some critics argue that the conference fell short in confronting the real drivers of climate change, including the continued subsidisation of fossil fuels and the persistent influence of oil and gas lobbies (BBC; Carbon Brief).
For businesses, the failure to commit to an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, companies in fossil fuel-dependent sectors may face growing pressure to adapt and innovate. On the other hand, the lack of clear regulatory frameworks may allow these industries to delay meaningful action, exacerbating the climate crisis in the long term.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Commitments
Nations recommitted to the 1.5°C warming limit, but updated NDCs remain insufficient. Current projections suggest a potential temperature rise of up to 2.9°C, raising alarms about the urgency of translating promises into actionable measures (BBC; UN Global Compact).
What Was Not Addressed
Limited Inclusivity
The voices of marginalised groups—such as Indigenous communities and civil society organisations—were conspicuously absent in key discussions. This exclusion not only undermines equitable decision-making but also fails to reflect the lived realities of those most affected by climate change (Amnesty International; CRIN).
Corporate Influence
The presence of a record number of fossil fuel lobbyists was a contentious issue. Their participation, coupled with diluted commitments, led to accusations of corporate capture, compromising the integrity of negotiations (Carbon Brief; Amnesty International).
Human Rights Neglect
Activists criticised the draft texts for failing to integrate human rights protections into climate policies. Without these safeguards, vulnerable populations—especially in low-income nations—face heightened risks of displacement, food insecurity, and environmental degradation (CRIN; Business and Human Rights Resource Centre).
Looking Ahead
COP29 made progress on key climate issues, such as carbon trading and the Loss and Damage Fund but left significant gaps in addressing human rights and corporate influence. The lack of stronger commitments on fossil fuel phase-outs and climate justice reflects the continuing challenges in aligning climate action with equity and sustainability goals. Moving forward, COP30 must prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and stronger protections for vulnerable communities to ensure that climate action is both effective and fair for all. Businesses must also accelerate their efforts to align with emerging global standards to mitigate risks and contribute to the transition to a sustainable future.
Charity Spotlight: The Climate Coalition
The Climate Coalition is the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action on the climate and nature crises. Along with their sister organisations Climate Cymru and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, they are a group of over 130 organisations — including the National Trust, Women's Institute, Oxfam, and RSPB — with a combined supporter base of 20 million.
Internal Opportunities
The University of Manchester is actively pursuing sustainability initiatives aimed at achieving a zero-carbon future by 2038, focusing on eliminating direct carbon emissions. The university integrates sustainable practices across various campus systems, including the development of green spaces and sustainable construction methods, in response to the climate crisis.
As part of the Stellify programme, students can become Sustainability Champions.
There are volunteering opportunities for sustainable causes.
Integrating sustainability into programmes of study and ethical careers.
Initiatives through the Students’ Union and project funding opportunities.
External Opportunities
Sustainable Futures’ Annual Conference is an event showcasing interdisciplinary sustainability research at The University of Manchester. Organised with Manchester Environmental Research Institute, Henry Royce Institute and the Sustainable Consumption Institute, the conference will reflect on past interdisciplinary initiatives and achievements while focusing on future opportunities for advancing sustainability solutions. Taking place on 12th December, register here.
The AECB (Association for Environment Conscious Building) will be hosting their first Christmas Social at Manchester Technology Centre and will celebrate the launch of MMU's Natural Materials Now! Exhibition on 10th December. The Natural Materials Now! Exhibition explores long-standing natural materials such as timber and stone, along with newer biobased innovations such as mycelium. Register here.
