The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference [COP29], held in Baku, Azerbaijan, has once again highlighted the perilous divide between the world’s wealthy nations and its vulnerable communities. This annual gathering, meant to foster a unified response to the climate emergency, has yet to prove that humanity can truly act as one. For Catholics, who are called to care for creation and uplift the marginalised, COP29 is both a moment of hope and a sobering reminder of global inequities.
At the heart of this year’s discussions was the issue of climate finance—a cornerstone for achieving meaningful progress. The stakes could not be higher. With global temperatures edging closer to the 1.5-degree Celsius limit, the need for robust adaptation measures has never been clearer. The evidence is stark: floods, droughts, and storms disproportionately devastate the poor, who contribute the least to greenhouse gas emissions yet suffer the most. Adaptation financing is not charity; it is justice.
Yet, despite the urgency, COP29 was marred by contentious debates over who should pay. Calls for wealthy nations to contribute between $440 billion and $900 billion annually to support the developing world were met with resistance, particularly from the United States and the European Union, who argued that China—a major emitter classified as a developing nation—should also shoulder financial responsibility. This impasse reflects a broader failure to recognise the moral imperative of addressing historical injustices. Wealthier nations have reaped the benefits of industrialisation while leaving the global south to grapple with the consequences.
The morality of such a stance needs to be questioned. The gospel calls us to solidarity with the vulnerable. There is no excuse for delaying life-saving investments in adaptation, when the technology and resources already exist. The failure to provide substantial climate financing is “irresponsible, immoral, and risks condemning both people and planet.”
Pope Francis has been one of the strongest global voices advocating for climate action, reminding the world that “climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.” His repeated calls for ecological conversion urge humanity to move beyond self-interest and embrace an ethic of care for the earth and its most vulnerable inhabitants. The pope has also encouraged the Church to take a lead role in this mission, emphasising that our faith compels us to protect creation as stewards of God’s gifts. He has called for concrete actions at every level—from parish initiatives to international advocacy—showing the world that the Church stands at the forefront of climate justice.
However, the conference also reveals a dangerous trend: prioritising short-term national interests over the long-term good. Developing nations have hinted at walking away from agreements that perpetuate inequity. Such a breakdown would be catastrophic, both politically and ethically. True progress will only come when nations stop viewing climate finance as a concession and start seeing it as a moral duty.
As COP29 concludes, the world stands hopeful of its outcomes, that though imperfect, will sow seeds of justice. Let us also call on our leaders—especially those in affluent countries—to reflect on the gospel’s call to love and generosity. The health and healing of our common home depend on it. jose, CMF
