COP29 can be a corner stone towards climate goals, expert says

The Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP) is a great opportunity for global cooperation, team leader of the Green Hydrogen Division at the International Association of Hydrogen Energy, Muhammad AbuLaban told Report.

The expert noted that strategic planning of climate change projects in both developing and developed countries is a critical issue, and COP29 can focus on developing robust mechanisms to support countries in the green transition.

Speaking about his expectations from the upcoming COP29, AbuLaban noted that "reaching a major breakthrough agreement like the Paris Agreement might not be the most realistic expectation, however, COP29 can be a corner stone towards more ambitious goals in the future by building on existing agreements."

AbuLaban noted that while ambitious climate change goals exist, achieving them remains challenging.

"COP29 could focus on holding countries accountable for their existing commitments and encouraging them to develop more detailed implementation plans," he said.

He believes the current geopolitical situation could impact international cooperation on climate change.

"Hopefully, COP29 can provide a platform for nations to set aside these differences and focus on a common goal of addressing climate change," he said.