Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. A small country by the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan's economy was built on fossil fuels. Filled with refineries and oil wells, its national symbol is a gas flame.¹ But now Baku is the host for the 2024 UN COPThe annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as the Conference of the Parties). In 2024, it is COP29. climate talks.

This week, leaders from 100 countries will gather in the city to discuss Earth's environmental crisis. They are expected to debate how to help developing countriesA country that is not yet highly industrialised. For example, Jordan, with a population of 10.7 million, is host to over 2.9 million refugees cut greenhouse gasGases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to global warming. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour are all greenhouse gases. emissions, adopt renewable energy and adapt to the climate crisis. However, these solutions will need funding from developed nations.

Things have started badly. The chief executive of the host country has been caught using the conference to promote oil and gas investment opportunities.² Political tensions mean the German prime minister and the European CommissionThe executive body of the EU, responsible for suggesting new EU laws and overseeing their implementation. president have skipped the meeting.³

In the background, the news is even worse. Donald TrumpAn American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020. He is running to be president again in 2024. has been elected in America, promising to shift away from clean energy and "drill, baby, drill". There are also floods in Spain, droughts in Africa and forecasts that 2024 will be the hottest year on record.⁴

It is easy to feel demoralised about the environment. But here are five reasons for hope:

Despite the good news, climate activists are still concerned. They argue that this is too little, too late. According to respected scientist Simon Lewis: "Increasingly deadly climate impacts will escalate. It's as simple as that."¹⁰

Few politicians are prepared to take the radical action required to prevent catastrophic change. In fact, the majority of countries - including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and Spain - are struggling to meet their climate commitments.¹¹ This is partly due to rising costs, and partly due to a political backlash among voters.

At times it looks like for every piece of good news, there are many more pieces of bad news. Others insist that giving up and accepting defeat is not an option. Nobody can undo the environmental damage already done - but the future of the planet has yet to be decided.

Is there still time to reverse the climate crisis?

Yes: From the boom in renewable energy, to the uptake of ZEVs and growing levels of environmental awareness, there are plenty of reasons to think we can solve the climate crisis.

No: World leaders do not have the courage or conviction to tackle climate change. Despite all their meetings and conferences, the environment continues to degrade.

Or... A defeatist attitude will never save the planet. Yes, the situation is serious, but climate campaigners have to find a positive message for the future.