Daily Update COP29 - Saturday 16 November
What you need to know
- Harness digital technology to reach everyone with early warnings - An event hosted by the COP29 Presidency on Science, Technology, and Innovation/ Digitalization Day highlighted the need to harness digital technologies to ensure that early warnings are accurate, accessible and reach everyone, leaving nobody behind. Read the article
- Earth Observations in support of climate mitigation and adaptation in WMO Pavilion presented an integrated approach across several activities and programmes of WMO through a logical framework that goes from setting up the scene to the use of observations in the context of NDC, GST, and integrated environmental policies and finishing with the panel discussion on the financing of the sustainable observations. Our integrated approach linked different aspects of the value chain from observations to research, modelling, and information delivery, towards the need for consideration of climate policies in the context of the other environmental policies and UN Conventions (e.g. related to air quality). Watch the recording
- The closing of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate (UNFCCC) painted a bleak picture: further consideration of several issues, including on adaptation, loss and damage, and technology, were pushed to the SB’s next session in June 2025. On the mitigation work programme and the just transition work programme, parties could not even agree to capture discussions held during the first week. Read IISD's daily report
From satellites to sandbags, we’re building a seamless line of defense against climate risks. Technology brings us early warnings from above, but it's the communities on the ground—filling sandbags and building resilience—who truly make these systems work. Our mission with Early Warnings for All is to connect global resources with local action, so that every community, no matter how remote, is prepared for what lies ahead.
Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General of the IFRC
Today
- The Agriculture Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) unveiled its first-ever, groundbreaking Innovation Package, aimed at providing weather information to help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change. Future Innovation Packages will expand efforts to scale additional solutions addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, food security, and agriculture. Read the article
- The event "Mountain Areas and Glaciers: Italian and International Research Activities for Monitoring and Conservation" aimed to promote national research activities and international collaborations on climate monitoring of mountain areas and glaciers, highlighting research activities in Italy and globally through cooperation with international research institutions and their impact on sustainable development cooperation.
- Cryosphere - From the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 towards Decade of Action for CryosphericSciences 2025-2034: Synergies and Opportunities. This event leveraged the momentum from 2025 to build a solid foundation for the Decade. It focused on scientific collaboration, policy integration, and community actions. Further discussions centered on raising the profile of science and advancing scientific research to tackle cryosphere-related challenges globally. It highlighted the critical role of glaciers and the cryosphere in climate regulation, water resources, and sustainable development while emphasizing the urgent need for action. Watch the recording
Please note that Sunday 17 November is rest day at COP29. IISD team is however organizing on 17 Nov 17:00 - COP 29 Halfway Point Webinar to review the latest developments from Azerbaijan, pose questions, and prep for the final week of COP29. Register to attend on Zoom and/or receive the recording.
Monday
- UNFCCC event - High-level ministerial round table on pre-2030 ambition 10:00-13:00 More...
- UN-Water event 10:00-10:45 - Presentation of the UN Water Expert Group on Water and Climate Change’s Analytical Brief This session aims to disseminate key findings from the brief, discuss practical strategies for integrating water into climate policies, and foster collaboration among policymakers, experts, and stakeholders in support of achieving climate change mitigation goals. More...
- OSCE 11:30-13:00 - Advancing a Climate-Resilient, Green and Just Energy Transition The energy sector is fundamental to combating climate change. Yet it is uniquely vulnerable to climate change, with cascading effects across other critical sectors. This high-level event calls for global action to address the energy-climate-security nexus and tools to advance a climate-resilient energy transition. More...
- UN System event 15:00-16:30 - Why glaciers matter: Addressing climate impacts in the cryosphere through science-based intervention. The event will focus on the critical role glaciers play in the global ecosystem and the urgent need to address their rapid melting. Participants will explore science-based interventions aimed at mitigating the environmental and societal impacts of glacier loss. More...
- WMO Pavilion 16:30-18:00 - From Insight to Action: Advancing Scientific Frontiers through Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) - Recent scientific advances have deepened our understanding of water systems and their complex challenges. Innovations in technology and interdisciplinary research have introduced new tools for managing water resources more effectively. This event focuses on integrating scientific knowledge into policy and practice to develop sustainable solutions for water security.
- Singapore Pavilion 14:30-15:30 - Panel Discussion - From Science to Solutions: How climate science and services can drive climate adaptation. This event will explore how climate science shapes robust adaptation policies and fosters resilience. Learn to bridge science and practice for co-designed, dynamic climate solutions and enhance global cooperation for better access to climate data. More...
Picture of the day
Youth at COP29
Successfully concluded the first-ever science-focused and interactive: Intergenerational Dialogue for Shaping Future Climate Landscapes on 16 November at the SDG pavilion.
This youth-led event featured a discussion on the critical role of cross-generational collaboration in addressing climate challenges. With joint effort from UNFCCC, IEEE, and The Keeling Society, the panel explored solutions and best practices on key topics, including delivering meaningful CO₂ emissions reductions, creating a ‘glocal’ climate risk network, aligning carbon pricing, social trust, and prioritizing nature-based solutions. Moderated by young leaders and professionals, the event aimed to empower the next generation with the tools for science, policy, and climate action while driving actionable strategies for a sustainable future aligned with SDGs 13 and 17.
Post of the day
All pictures from the WMO delegation are on the WMO COP29 photo album.
More communication assets are available on the UN Communication COP29 board.