Against increasingly severe climate events, COP29 aims to drive meaningful, collaborative efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy investments, and strengthen climate adaptation measures, particularly for vulnerable communities. With rising global scrutiny, the conference underscores the urgent need for accountability, innovative solutions, and equitable action across nations to secure a sustainable future for all.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), has emphasized the critical importance of the upcoming COP29 climate conference in driving progress towards a net-zero emissions future.

Speaking at IRENA’s 28th Council meeting in Abu Dhabi,  La Camera underscored the importance of the upcoming climate conference. “We are heading towards COP29, and this is the last opportunity for member states to meet and achieve positive outcomes from this conference,” he stated.

He highlighted the ‘UAE Consensus’ established at COP28 as a clear roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century. He emphasized the need for urgent action, including tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. 

IRENA, appointed as a co-custodian of this framework, is tasked with monitoring its progress.

La Camera also stressed the need for US$31.5 trillion in investments by 2030 to bolster renewable energy, grid infrastructure, resilience measures, and energy efficiency. 

He emphasized the urgency of tripling annual renewable energy investments from 2023 levels to meet global climate goals.

A recent IRENA report highlighted a significant gap between current national plans and the ambitious targets set to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director-General, emphasized the situation’s urgency, stating that the 1.5°C target is still achievable but requires immediate action. He urged countries to submit more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP29.

Looking ahead, La Camera called for COP29 to serve as a platform for increasing climate finance and raising global ambitions.

He also revealed that IRENA has already begun collaborating with Brazil, the host of COP30, to ensure it becomes another milestone in the global push towards net-zero emissions and tackling climate change.