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Cop29 Begins In Baku, Spotlight On Climate Finance And Global Goals

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2024

The UN Climate Conference COP29 has commenced in Baku, with leaders from nearly 200 nations gathering to evaluate progress and renew commitments under the Paris Agreement. This year, financial strategies to support developing nations in addressing climate change are expected to take centre stage.

Key Focus Areas

Discussions will focus on limiting global warming to 1.5°C and ensuring financial support for climate action. Wealthier nations, including the US, Japan, and EU members, pledged $100 billion in annual aid to developing nations, though this target, set to expire, has only occasionally been met. Developing countries seek up to $1 trillion in annual support, but industrialized nations aim to share costs with other major emitters like China and Gulf countries.

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Financial Negotiations

The conference is expected to yield new funding targets, sourced from state budgets and international institutions, along with possible mechanisms like fossil fuel taxes. Developed countries have so far favoured loans over direct aid, but the pressure is mounting for increased grants and alternative funding options.

Challenges Ahead

The potential impact of Donald Trump’s return to the White House has raised concerns, with sources indicating a possible US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and renewed support for fossil fuel development. These factors could complicate negotiations on carbon reductions and clean energy transitions.

Continued Investments

Last year’s COP28 in Dubai marked an important step with countries agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. Clean energy investments have surged to nearly $2 trillion in 2023, yet fossil fuel investments also persist, particularly in coal, with over 50 GW of new coal plants approved in 2023 alone.

As talks unfold, leaders face pressure to secure greater financial commitments and accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy sources.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.