As world leaders gather in Baku, Azerbaijan for COP29 from November 11-22, 2024, the focus remains on mitigating climate change while grappling with the recent election of climate skeptic Donald Trump in the U.S. Leaders aim to secure funding for developing nations to combat climate impacts, yet the absence of key figures like Joe Biden and Xi Jinping raises concerns over meaningful progress. Stiff global challenges like wars and economic issues further complicate discussions. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s controversial fossil fuel ambitions prompt scrutiny as the conference aims to shift away from such energy sources.