There was an uproar at the climate summit – some countries walked out

The world climate conference in Baku is in danger of failure amid a dispute over trillions of dollars worth of extra climate aid. After about 24 hours of delay, host Azerbaijan's chaotic behavior in the negotiations became apparent: the entire group of countries left the negotiating room in protest and an uncoordinated draft text came into public view. German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock launched an unusually harsh attack on the presidency.

“We Europeans will not allow the world's most vulnerable countries, especially small island states, to be ripped off by some new fossil and wealthy emitters here. When in doubt, with the support of the President of the Conference of the Parties,” the Green party politician said. The minister, who is in poor health, remains on site in Baku, contrary to previous plans.

Some countries 'ignored by president'

“We are working hard to build bridges, especially with island countries and other developing countries,” said Belbock. “Especially because unfortunately, the concerns of these countries have so far been ignored by the president.”

Representatives of island countries and least developed countries left the negotiating room in the afternoon to protest against the chairman's tenure because, they said, their concerns were omitted from the circulated draft text. protocol? “No!” shouted the negotiator.

One of the representatives of the least developed countries: Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, representative of Panama. Image: trapezoid

'We are indeed sinking'

“How can you expect us to go back to the women, men and children of our country with a deal that is sure to put them in further danger?” a spokesman for the island nation asked. “What is happening here clearly shows that industrialized countries and Developing countries are in a different situation. «After this COP29, we cannot simply drive off into the sunset. We are indeed headed for bankruptcy. “

Activists chanted after US climate representative John Podesta hurriedly left the room: “Shame, shame! Pay your fair share!”

Colombian Environment Minister Susana Mohamed said: “We came here to negotiate. But we left the room because at this moment we feel that our voices are not heard.” The EU delegation said it expected negotiations to continue.

Bell Bock: 'Money alone cannot save the world'

Belbock warned against backsliding on climate protection decisions amid efforts to increase climate aid to poorer countries. Bellbock said climate aid and reducing climate-damaging emissions were “inextricably linked” because “money alone cannot save the world,” she added in English.

Saudi Arabia in particular is trying to join a group of large authoritarian states in reversing climate protection decisions already taken during two weeks of talks, according to observers.

On the need for developing countries to mobilize trillions of dollars in climate aid each year, Berbock said all major greenhouse gas emitters must now get on board – “especially the new emitters who are big and rich”. She has previously called for China, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that generate large revenues from oil, gas and coal to be included in the donor circle.

The United Nations independent expert group also concluded that the annual demand for foreign aid will be approximately US$1 trillion by 2030, and even reach US$1.3 trillion by 2035.

What is clear from negotiating circles is that an initial proposal of $250 billion in annual climate aid to poorer countries, mainly from industrialized countries, now stands at $300 billion on the table.

Yarkin Rafiev, chief negotiator of host country Azerbaijan.Image: trapezoid

time is running out

Time is running out to reach an agreement: at least two-thirds of the approximately 200 parties must be present to make a decision. This is particularly a problem for poorer countries, as their representatives often don't have the money to rebook flights and hotels.

If no deal is reached, the $100 billion in annual financial aid currently set to expire will expire in 2025. What happens after that will be postponed to negotiations next year. In concrete terms, this means that many countries do not have enough funds to effectively implement climate protection and cannot adapt adequately. The end result: more suffering, more destruction, and more immigration to wealthier parts of the world like Europe. (HKL/SDA/DPA)

During the campaign, Donald Trump threatened to send U.S. troops to Mexico. That's how he wants to fight drug crime. However, civilians may suffer.

Donald Trump rarely skimped on terse rhetoric during his campaign. Yet the president-elect always comes into his own when it comes to one of his most passionate projects: immigration policy. Trump often targets Mexico. Millions of immigrants deemed criminals by Republicans would be deported — most of them from America’s southern neighbors. What's more: Trump is threatening his neighbor with steep import tariffs that will put the Mexican economy to the test.