Climate deal 'travesty of justice', say poor nations

The climate finance deal agreed at Cop29 is a "travesty of justice" that should not have been adopted, some countries' negotiators have said.

- Dharna Noor Damian Carrington

The climate conference came to a dramatic close early yesterday morning when negotiators struck an agreement to triple the flow of climate finance to poorer countries.

Developing nations had called on rich countries to provide them with $1.3tn (£1tn) a year to help them decarbonise their economies and cope with the effects of the climate crisis. But the final deal sets a pledge of just $300bn annually, with $1.3tn only a target.

The number is an increase from a previous $100bn promise, but Chandni Raina, a negotiator for India, said it was "abysmally poor" compared with what was needed. "This, in our opinion, will not address the enormity of the challenge we all face," she said on the negotiation floor moments after the deal was passed.

For Raina, an adviser to India's department of economic affairs, it was not only the goal itself that caused anger but also the process by which it was finalised.

Hours before the conclusion of Cop29, when a deal seemed elusive, delegates from the US, Colombia and several African nations were seen poring over documents in a huddle.

Drafts were circulated before they were shared with the public, and throughout the conference centre rumours circulated about last-minute backroom deals being made.