Daily Update COP29 - Monday 18 November

Update
18 November 2024
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell highlighted today some of the positive strides forward in the conference's first week but said there is still much more work to be done. WMO delegation demonstrated how climate science shapes robust adaptation policies and fosters resilience, and took part in several water-related events. 
Four individuals are seated on stage, engaging in a panel discussion. Behind them is a backdrop with logos and text. Microphones and headphones are placed on the small tables in front of them.
From Science to Solutions: WMO DSG Ko Barrett discussed how climate science and services can drive climate adaptation, today at Singapore’s Pavilion, with Martial Bernoux (FAO) and Yuan Jiashuang (CMA).
WMO

What you need to know

  • WMO at COP29: Close the gap in Earth Observations - The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) has recognized the importance of Earth observations and related long-term data records in its concluding document at COP29, reflecting the central role of the WMO community in the UN Climate Change negotiations process. Read the news
  • G20 Leaders Convene in Rio Amid COP29 Discussions: As COP29 reaches its midpoint, G20 leaders are gathering in Brazil for the upcoming summit. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, delivered a clear message for G20 leaders before they hoped on their planes for Rio de Janiero: “Climate finance is not charity; it’s an investment. Climate action is not optional; it’s an imperative.” Read more.
  • Realizing Early Warnings for All - This policy brief from the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee and the Group on Earth Observations sheds light on the transformative role of scalable climate technologies, offering practical pathways to bridge these gaps and empower all communities with essential early warning systems. Read the policy brief

The time for action is now. Creating a safer planet is a global responsibility, and we all have a role to play.

The WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo contributes powerful words to the UN #ActNow campaign, inspiring collective climate action.

Today

  • High-Level Ministerial Round Table on Pre-2030 Ambition: UN organizations and intergovernmental bodies came together to discuss actionable outcomes for accelerating climate ambition before 2030. Key guiding questions included: What elements of implementable outcomes should be part of a mitigation package at COP29? and How can we leverage the results of relevant work to shape mitigation outcomes? Watch the webcast. 
  • Water for Climate Mitigation – Launched today at COP29, the UN-Water Analytical Brief underscores water's pivotal role in achieving climate mitigation goals. From enabling clean energy transitions to supporting carbon dioxide removal, the brief calls for integration of water management into climate mitigation policies for a successful Paris Agreement. The Analytical Brief

Tomorrow

  • Presidency event UNECE, WMO, UNEP & FAO 17:00-18:30 Accelerate climate action through regional cooperation in water, food, and energy. The session will focus on how regional cooperation can help countries to plan for effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, and a more efficient use of natural resources such as water, land, and energy in a changing climate. More... 
  • Morocco Pavilion 11:00-12:00 Anticipating and Strengthening Agricultural Resilience in Africa: The Crucial Role of Innovative Climate Services.
  • Tajikistan Glacier-2025 Pavilion 11:00-12:00 - Beyond the Peaks: Monitoring the Downstream Effects of Glacier Retreat.
  • Israel Pavilion 11:30-12:30: Building resilience to floods - creating the required data bases for decision making. 

Picture of the day

A group of nine people standing in a row against a plain wall, wearing formal and traditional attire.
WMO DSG Ko Barrett with Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development of Nigeria, and their team.
WMO

Youth at COP29

Today was youth day: The youth delegation attended several events, including the Youth Led Climate Forum and High-level Roundtable on Children, Youth, and Climate Action. The events highlighted the need to maintain the optimism and energy, to build climate literacy and to meaningfully engage youth through intergenerational partnerships. The events included very impressive young speakers, as young as 10 years old! 👉 Listen to the voices of tomorrow’s leaders today!

Post of the day

Woman speaking at a climate event with a microphone. Text overlay reads: "Businesses need long-term certitude." She is labeled as María Mendiluce, CEO.
WMO

All pictures from the WMO delegation are on the WMO COP29 photo album.

More communication assets are available on the UN Communication COP29 board.

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