Kathmandu: The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group has expressed profound disappointment with the results of the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 24.

The LDCs, which represent 45 nations from Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean with a collective population exceeding one billion, have accused wealthy nations of watering down climate commitments. The conference, extended by two days due to disagreements on climate financing, concluded without decisive actions to address the needs of vulnerable nations.

Failure to Deliver Climate Finance Goals
A key agenda item for COP29 was the New Collective Quantified Goals (NCQG) on climate finance, with demands for $1.3 trillion annually to support adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage initiatives. However, these goals remain unmet.

"This is not just a failure; it is a betrayal," said Evans Njewa, Chair of the LDC group. He criticized developed countries for neglecting their historical responsibility and failing to provide adequate climate action or finance, particularly for the most vulnerable countries.

Nepal’s Perspective
Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, Chief of the Climate Management Division at Nepal’s Forest Ministry, echoed the sentiment, saying, "The standpoint of LDCs aligns with Nepal’s, and the expected achievements were not realized." However, he noted that the inclusion of mountain issues in the conference documentation was a small win for Nepal, with hopes for further progress in future climate summits.

Criticism from Experts
Climate change experts have also criticized the outcomes, highlighting the dominant role of fossil fuel producers and greenhouse gas-emitting nations in blocking significant progress.

Manjit Dhakal, a climate change expert, emphasized that substantial work remains to limit global warming to 1.5°C and secure adequate funding for vulnerable nations. He pointed out that nations reliant on fossil fuels played a significant role in hindering the agenda to reduce carbon emissions.

Implications for Vulnerable Nations
The LDCs, which are disproportionately affected by climate change, had entered COP29 with high expectations for decisive actions on climate finance and justice. The outcomes of this conference further underscore the struggle of these nations in multilateral climate negotiations, leaving their populations at greater risk of climate-related disasters.

The Baku agreement has drawn widespread criticism, with many seeing it as a victory for major economies and a loss for those most in need of climate action.