COP29 climate finance deal clinched, what are countries saying?

BAKU, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Countries agreed to a hard-fought COP29 deal to provide $300 billion in annual climate finance by 2035.

But while some delegates reacted to the agreement's early Sunday with a standing ovation, others voiced anger and lambasted wealthy nations for not doing more.

Here are some of their comments:

U.N. FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SIMON STIELL

"It has been a difficult journey, but we've delivered a deal. This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country.

"This deal will keep the clean energy boom growing and protect billions of lives. It will help all countries to share in the huge benefits of bold climate action: more jobs, stronger growth, cheaper and cleaner energy for all.

"But like any insurance policy – it only works – if the premiums are paid in full, and on time. No country got everything they wanted, and we leave Baku with a mountain of work still to do. So this is no time for victory laps."

INDIA REPRESENTATIVE CHANDNI RAINA

"We are disappointed in the outcome which clearly brings out the unwillingness of the developed country parties to fulfil their responsibilities."

"I regret to say that this document is nothing more than an optical illusion. This, in our opinion, will not address the enormity of the challenge we all face. Therefore, we oppose the adoption of this document,"

U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES

"I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome – on both finance and mitigation – to meet the great challenge we face. But this agreement provides a base on which to build. It must be honoured in full and on time. Commitments must quickly become cash."

BOLIVIA REPRESENTATIVE DIEGO PACHECO BALANZA (speaking via a translator)

"We need a finance which will properly grant us the resources we need to take steps. The finance that is hugely below our requirements is an insult and it is a flagrant violation of justice and climate equity.

"Climate finance, as it stands in this agreement, is extinguishing international cooperation. We are moving on from the time of leaving of no-one behind to an era of let every man save himself."
 

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