By M Muneer

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) is an important moment in the global response to climate change. The Global South, which represents much of the developing world, is facing disproportionate climate-related challenges despite being historically responsible for a relatively small portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet they are being drawn into crafting solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and impactful for global climate policy.

The Global South — encompassing regions like Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and small island nations — is home to some of the most vulnerable populations when it comes to the effects of climate change. COP29 provides a critical platform for these countries to influence the global climate agenda. Here is an assertive agenda for the Global South when the summit opens on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Assert the climate justice narrative: It is time to place climate justice at the forefront of the agenda. Historically, the majority of carbon emissions have come from developed countries, but the consequences disproportionately affect developing nations. A 2021 study by Oxfam revealed that the wealthiest 10% of the global population are responsible for over 50% of emissions, while the poorest 50% contribute less than 10%. This inequality in responsibility should be emphasised to ensure that the burden of mitigation and adaptation does not fall unduly on the most vulnerable.

It’s also time to call for a recognition of these inequalities in climate action. This means ensuring that developed nations live up to their financial commitments, including the $100 billion per year in climate finance that was promised under the Paris Agreement. In 2023, reports indicated that this target had still not been fully met. The........

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