Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has emphasized the importance of COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan.

In an interview with PTI, Scotland highlighted the need to bridge gaps in climate action and finance. She also pressed on the necessity to rebuild trust among countries and protect lives and livelihoods.

She spoke about the need for rich countries to provide more financial aid to help developing countries address climate change, as the target has not been fully met.

She advocated for increased cooperation between Commonwealth space agencies (CSA) for thorough data analysis and focused climate solutions. This includes reducing methane emissions, which can significantly affect global warming.

Scotland emphasized the need for COP29 host Azerbaijan to balance its role as a major fossil fuel producer with the global need for sustainable energy.

“We are nearing the cliff, the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius limit. In fact, some of our scientists say that we are there now. Our home, our planet, is literally on fire. Instead of action, we see the gaps in emissions, finance, and justice widening. It is our duty to bridge those gaps, and COP is our only chance. It comes at a moment of immeasurable urgency,” Scotland said in the interview.