'We were ready to leave climate summit' - negotiator tells BBC

Recently, a significant climate change conference took place, and it was filled with tension and drama. During the discussions, representatives from many countries were present, including a group known as AOSIS, which stands for the Alliance of Small Island States. This group is made up of nations that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. On Saturday, a key negotiator for AOSIS, Michai Robertson, revealed to BBC News that the group was prepared to leave the summit entirely due to the lack of serious consideration from other countries regarding their financial needs. Michai expressed his frustration, stating that other nations were 'laughing at them' for requesting larger sums of money to combat climate change. The discussions had reached a boiling point, and the walkout was a demonstration of the power and determination of AOSIS. 'We're not going to be walked over, as we have been many times in the past,' Michai asserted. This dramatic exit occurred after the talks had already exceeded their scheduled time by 19 hours, shocking many observers. AOSIS was not alone in their walkout; they were joined by another group called the Least Developed Countries, who shared similar frustrations. Michai emphasized that future negotiations, including the upcoming COP30 in Brazil, must prioritize significant issues over minor geopolitical conflicts. He also noted that the election of US President Donald Trump had weakened the final agreement at COP29. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time in the 29-year history of UN climate talks that AOSIS had walked out. AOSIS represents 39 countries and territories, including Samoa, Barbados, and Trinidad, all of which are at high risk from climate change and lack the resources to effectively address its impacts. At these climate summits, their main priorities include securing more financial assistance to tackle challenges like eroding coastlines and severe weather events. Additionally, they advocate for stronger actions to address the root causes of climate change, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. Their motto, '1. 5 to stay alive,' highlights their commitment to keeping global temperature rise below 1. 5 degrees Celsius. Current UN projections indicate that, without significant action, the world is on track for at least 3. 1 degrees of warming, which AOSIS warns would be catastrophic for island nations. During the walkout, discussions were taking place in 'Meeting Room 3' about a potential deal for increased financial support, even as the talks were running significantly late. Michai described the walkout as a spontaneous decision, not premeditated. 'It was so quick and instinctive,' he explained. The chair of the Least Developed Group raised his country's flag and expressed his frustration, saying, 'You're not hearing us. ' This prompted everyone to stand up and leave together. Journalists outside the meeting room witnessed the moment when the negotiators walked out. Following their exit, Michai mentioned that they moved to 'Meeting Room 11,' where they were quickly contacted by various parties, including the COP presidency and representatives from developed countries. 'It's really sad that it took us walking out to get that,' he lamented. Michai expressed disappointment that their calls for more dedicated financial support were ignored. He pointed out that the economic damage caused by climate change far exceeds any calculations of per capita financial assistance they were receiving. He referenced the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017 on the Caribbean island of Dominica, which resulted in losses exceeding 200% of its GDP. 'You can't say that for many other developing countries,' he added. In the Caribbean, some communities have already been forced to relocate due to rising sea levels. Michai emphasized that AOSIS has always approached these negotiations with a pragmatic mindset, as they have much to lose from worsening climate change and relatively little power compared to larger nations like the US and China. He acknowledged that the COP process is crucial for them because it is one of the few platforms where their voices can be heard, but they also feel somewhat trapped by the ongoing negotiations. Ultimately, AOSIS decided to return to the negotiating table, and an agreement was reached in the early hours of Sunday morning. The deal stipulated that developed nations would provide $300 billion annually to developing countries until 2035, although this amount fell short of the $500 billion they had initially requested. Additionally, the agreement recognized that a total of $1. 3 trillion is needed from both public and private sources for developing nations, but it did not specify where this funding would come from or who would be responsible for it. Michai described their return to the talks as an act of 'acquiescence,' acknowledging that the $300 billion goal was insufficient. However, he expressed hope that they would continue to push for increased financial support in the coming years. 'The best thing that came out of this is that they know we are a force to be reckoned with,' he concluded.