Good COP, Bad COP, Terrible COP
James Cameron and Michael Liebreich look at the outcomes of COP29 in Baku.
What was achieved at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan? Where will the promised $300 billion come from, and how will it be spent? And what reforms are needed to make the COP process more impactful.
COP29 was the third UN climate conference in a row to be hosted by a petro state, leading many to despair that these international climate summits have lost their way and should be replaced with something else. What that something else could or should be is unclear, and those involved with the process argue instead for a continuation of the COP system, perhaps with some reform..
This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich sits down with James Cameron, an international climate lawyer who has been involved with the COP process since before COPs were COPs. A staunch believer in international law and negotiations, James shares his insights into the challenges and dynamics of these high-stakes global talks, from the crucial role of small island states to the difficulties of bridging the divide between developed and developing nations.
James and Michael explore the inner workings of the COP process - its successes, failures and the urgent need for reform. James assesses where the negotiations have fallen short, and outlines ideas for how to make the COP a more effective forum for driving real-world climate action.
Leadership Circle
Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit cleaningup.live.
Links and more
Michael’s article ‘Ya Basta: Stop the UN Climate Charade’ - https://www.liebreich.com/214-2/
James Cameron’s previous appearance on Cleaning Up
Our episode with Paris agreement architect, Christiana Figueres
Michael’s interview with Catherine McKenna, former Canadian Climate Minister