COP29 Climate Conference begins in Azerbaijan, PM Fiala expected to speak

The annual COP29 climate conference began today in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, with representatives of some 200 countries, including Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. Delegates will discuss ways to limit climate change and how to prepare for it.

A key conference topic is securing $100 billion annually to help developing countries combat climate change and transition from fossil fuels. These nations seek trillions, preferring grants over loans. Wealthy countries, including the US, Japan, and the EU, had pledged this funding by 2020, first achieving the target in 2022. However, much of the support has come as high-interest loans, drawing criticism. Meanwhile, the EU and US are urging China and Gulf nations to join as donors.