Walking the COP or not?
At COP29 in Baku, leaders finally reached an agreement on climate finance—but it fell far short of what’s needed. Wealthier countries, including the EU, failed to take bold steps to support vulnerable populations and phase out fossil fuels. The European Youth Forum stands with young activists worldwide, demanding real accountability and policies that prioritise future generations and the planet over empty promises.
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It was time to walk the COP!
For two weeks, we joined forces with our member organisations and other young climate activists, to demand ambitious climate action from EU leaders and the world. While big corporations and powerful countries tried to dominate the COP29 talks, we made our voices heard through protests and direct engagement with policymakers. We fought for a future where everyone, especially the most vulnerable, is protected from the climate crisis.
Yet the so-called New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) agreed is insufficient to fight the climate crisis and provide money for a just transition in the global South. The NCQG is the international climate finance target set to mobilise more equitable financial resources after 2025, replacing the current $100 billion per year goal to support developing countries in addressing climate change. Out of the $1.3 trillion per year only $300 billion will come directly from the budgets of developed countries and public finance institutions. The reliance on private sector contributions and debt-based solutions ignores the urgency of equitable climate finance. In addition, it also perpetuates the neglect of vulnerable populations who are already facing the worst effects of the climate crisis.
While the outcomes of COP29 are deeply disappointing, it is even more concerning that inadequate climate finance commitments come alongside the failure to address overconsumption. The triple planetary crisis—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—is driven by the overexploitation of natural resources beyond planetary boundaries. Wealthier nations must reduce their consumption of fossil fuels, biomass, metals, and minerals to enable the global South to meet its citizens' needs within sustainable limits. Finally, it’s alarming that alongside weak commitments to climate finance, progress on transitioning away from fossil fuels—an important agreement made at COP28—has slowed. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to keep pushing forward.
What to do now?
Discussions about raising funds to meet the NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal) are ongoing, and they represent a crucial chance for civil society to push for impactful reforms. Proposals like a fossil fuel levy, frequent flyer taxes, and other measures from our position paper on taxation could provide the financial resources needed to support a just transition in the global South. At the same time, they would help tackle inequality and cut emissions in the global North—steps that are vital to addressing the climate crisis.
This COP has highlighted not just the presence of youth and civil society, but the urgent need for our involvement. From our delegation to young activists worldwide, we’ve shown how essential it is to amplify citizens’ voices in these spaces. Together, we remind decision-makers that the true priorities are safeguarding our planet and protecting future generations. Let’s keep advocating for real climate justice—it’s a fight we cannot afford to lose. We really need to Walk the COP!
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