COP29, or the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, was a summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11–22, 2024.

This meeting of world leaders focused on negotiations and discussions surrounding climate with a theme of investing in a livable planet for all. 

The Rev. Margaret Brack of Saint Alban's Episcopal Church in Salisbury was in attendance and shared her thoughts with IPC:

It was a tremendous honor to be chosen by the Presiding Bishop to serve as a delegate representing The Episcopal Church at this year’s United Nations COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Although only three of our 17-member delegation were physically present at the conference, technology allowed all of us to be fully immersed in the proceedings and activities. With Blue Level access, we participated in a wide array of events, illustrating the possibilities of collaboration in today’s connected world.

My journey as a delegate began in July when I joined other representatives to prepare for this pivotal gathering. As a first-time delegate, I benefited from one-on-one meetings with seasoned participants who guided me through the process. I was honored to join the liturgy planning team, where we designed virtual worship services after learning in September that we would not be traveling to Baku. If we had been there in person, I would have been part of the musical team. The experience underscored the resilience and creativity that are possible even amid logistical challenges.

COP29 brought together representatives from nearly 200 nations to address the urgent challenges of climate change. While the conference yielded some progress, such as the agreement to establish a $300 billion annual fund by 2035 to assist developing nations, it also highlighted significant shortcomings. The amount pledged, while a step forward, falls far short of the $1.3 trillion that developing nations had requested. Moreover, delegates struggled to find consensus on phasing down fossil fuel consumption, underscoring the tension between economic interests and environmental imperatives.

One of the most sobering realizations from COP29 was the stark disparity between the global North and South in addressing climate-related disasters. Northern countries often receive swift aid in the wake of natural disasters, while many southern nations are left to suffer in silence. Stories of communities in the southern hemisphere struggling without international assistance—facing dehydration, hunger, and disease—were heart-wrenching. It is particularly troubling that these nations, already bearing the brunt of climate change, are being asked to contribute funds to global programs from which they derive little to no benefit. As people of faith, we are called to advocate for justice, ensuring that all are seen as worthy and deserving of care.

In the aftermath of COP29, our delegation reflected on the heavy realities we face. The scale of funding required—trillions of dollars—is daunting. Yet, the stakes are too high to ignore. I plan to review additional sessions I missed to better understand the decisions made and the actions avoided during this pivotal conference.

At St. Alban’s, we recently hosted a prayer service in conjunction with COP29, featuring a video filmed in our garden alongside our solar panels, a symbol of our church’s commitment to sustainability. These moments of reflection remind me of our shared responsibility to care for the earth as stewards of God’s Creation.

As we look ahead, we must build upon the steps taken at COP29 and prepare for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where nations are expected to present more ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. May we find the courage to act boldly and advocate for meaningful change. Let us open our eyes and hearts to the urgent needs of our world and embrace the sacred task of protecting this beautiful planet entrusted to us.

May God be with us as we pray for our world to see the impending needs and to begin learning about how to care for this earth that we have been given.