“Let’s Cut the Theatrics and Get Down to Real Business”: Stiell’s Call to Action at COP29

As the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) enters its second week, Simon Stiell, the Conference’s Executive Secretary, called on countries to “cut the theatrics” and focus on substantive negotiations to address the pressing climate crisis. 

During a press conference on November 18, Stiell highlighted progress and challenges in securing global financial commitments for climate action. He acknowledged progress in carbon markets but stressed that it remains insufficient to meet global emissions reduction targets. “We are a long way from halving global emissions this decade,” he stated, emphasising the urgent need to accelerate efforts in COP29’s final days.