Portugal has expressed its support for the recent agreements made at the UN’s COP29 conference held in Baku, while simultaneously voicing concerns over the insufficient ambition regarding climate change mitigation efforts. The Portuguese government highlighted the challenges faced during negotiations and the crucial role played by the European Union in achieving a consensus.
Portugal’s Position on COP29 Outcomes
The Portuguese Minister for the Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, stated that the negotiations at COP29 were particularly difficult, reflecting the varying positions of different countries. Despite these challenges, she noted that an important consensus was achieved, particularly regarding climate finance.
The European Union’s involvement in the COP29 negotiations was pivotal. The EU’s leadership was instrumental in navigating the complex discussions and fostering a collaborative environment among member states and other participating nations. The EU’s commitment to climate action was evident in its push for increased funding and broader participation in climate finance.
While Portugal welcomes the progress made at COP29, the government remains cautious about the overall ambition of the agreements. The emphasis on increasing climate finance is a positive development, but the lack of stronger commitments to mitigation efforts raises concerns about the effectiveness of these measures in combating climate change.