Baku Climate Conference and the Fragmentation of Global Climate Governance

The Baku Climate Conference (COP29) is intended to address the intensifying fragmentation of global climate governance by setting new collective quantified goals (NCQGs) for climate finance and discussing critical issues such as loss and damage funds. At the conference, significant divergences persisted among countries on core issues such as climate finance, energy transition, and carbon market mechanisms, as evidenced by the ongoing negotiations and challenges in reaching a consensus on new climate finance goals. This not only mirrors the intricacies of the global governance system but also highlights the longstanding conflicts of interest among different stakeholders. Despite the hurdles impeding multilateral cooperation, South–South cooperation and regional integration efforts are gaining traction. Regional initiatives continue to advance global climate action, albeit in a limited fashion. As a key actor in global climate governance, China has taken on a more significant role by actively leveraging multilateral frameworks to promote collaboration, as evidenced by its substantial contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing green finance initiatives. Multilateral cooperation has been a cornerstone of China’s approach to climate change, as evidenced by its unwavering commitment to providing support to other developing nations and its leadership in global climate action. China consistently plays a constructive role in global climate governance, providing practical solutions aimed at fostering deeper integration within the global governance framework. The future of global climate cooperation hinges on the development of a more stable, just, and efficient climate governance system, as exemplified by China’s commitment to carbon reduction and its efforts to foster a fair and reasonable global climate governance framework.