As the world prepares for COP29, the urgency of global climate action is at an all-time high. This year’s Conference of the Parties (COP) is not just another climate summit - it represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat climate change.
As governments, businesses, and NGOs gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, there’s a crucial piece of the puzzle that can’t be overlooked: the role of individuals and small businesses in driving the change we need.
At Climeworks, our Countdown to COP29 begins, and we’re excited to soon be sharing inspiring stories from the Climeworks Pioneers community - individuals, businesses, and NGOs who are making a difference with their actions and with Climeworks. As we build momentum toward this critical event, it’s important to understand why the collective action of everyday people and small businesses is key to amplifying the message for action at COP29.
What makes COP29 special?
COP29 comes at a critical juncture for the global climate agenda. Nearly a decade has passed since the historic Paris Agreement was signed at COP21 in 2015. The Paris Agreement was the first legally binding international treaty on climate change, with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C - and ideally 1.5°C - compared to pre-industrial levels. To meet this goal, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were introduced, setting climate targets for each country.
However, as we approach COP29, progress toward these targets is falling behind. A recent article from the World Economic Forum emphasizes that COP29 is particularly important because countries will update their NDCs and showcase their progress. It’s a critical moment to assess whether the world is on track to meet the Paris Agreement targets and to see concrete recommendations to countries based on their current status.
In this context, COP29 is not only about governmental pledges and negotiations - it’s also a key opportunity for the private sector and individuals to make their voices heard, signaling the ever-growing demand for action and change .
This year, a coalition of global business leaders has already released a letter urging policymakers to take bold climate action at COP29. As seen in this letter, corporate leaders are calling for increased investments in clean energy, stronger emissions reduction targets, and the scaling up of climate innovations including high-quality carbon removals.
The message is clear: businesses are ready to lead, but they need clear policies and signals from governments and systemic stakeholders to accelerate change.
The Role of Individual and Small Business Action
As Breakthrough Energy founder Bill Gates noted at the 2024 Breakthrough Energy Summit:
"Reaching net-zero requires every tool we have—innovation, policy, and individual action. We can’t wait for one sector to catch up; all of us must move forward together."
This sentiment highlights why individual and small business actions are essential.
Although large corporations and governments make the headlines during COPs, it’s the collective actions of individuals and small businesses that create the grassroots momentum needed to drive systemic change. Here’s why:
Signaling market demand: When individuals and small businesses invest in carbon removal services like Climeworks, they send a powerful signal to the market. By showing that there is demand for sustainable solutions, they encourage larger businesses and governments to act. These actions help signal that the public and small businesses are not only aware of the need for carbon removal but are actively seeking out solutions.
Leading by example: By participating in carbon removal, small businesses and individuals can showcase that they are already doing what they can, putting their money and voice to work, no matter how small the contribution is. They inspire larger corporations to follow suit, demonstrating that climate action is not just the responsibility of Fortune 500 companies. In fact, smaller organizations and individuals do have the agility and community influence to lead innovative initiatives that larger organizations can learn from.
Driving policy change: It’s tempting to think that government policies are influenced solely by corporate lobbying or large-scale activism. However, the cumulative actions of individuals and small businesses greatly contribute to shaping public opinion. Policymakers take note when there is widespread support for climate solutions, and it strengthens the case for more ambitious policies at COP.
Why COP29 Matters for the Climeworks Pioneers Community
As we approach COP29, the Climeworks Pioneers community plays a crucial role in amplifying the message that high-quality carbon removal is an essential part of the climate solution. With over 20,000 Climeworks Pioneers, our community is already driving change by purchasing CO2 removal from the atmosphere, enabling us to scale faster and to unlock systemic actors’ support for further deployment. However, our goal is to push past the 21,000 milestone before COP29 begins, on our way to 30’000, making our collective voice even louder.
In the weeks leading up to COP29 and the end of 2024, we will be sharing powerful stories from our community—individuals, small businesses, and NGOs who have taken action to remove CO2 with Climeworks. These stories illustrate that climate action isn’t just a top-down process; it’s a movement fueled by everyday people and local businesses committed to securing a sustainable future.
In addition to amplifying the voices of the Climeworks Pioneers, we invite anyone who has a story to share to join the conversation. Whether you’re an individual who has taken personal climate action or a business owner who has integrated carbon removal into your sustainability strategy, your story matters. Share it with us via email or filling-out this survey directly. We look forward to hearing from you!
Watch: What is the Paris agreement again?
To gain a deeper understanding of the stakes at COP29, watch this insightful video from the UN Climate Change channel that explains the Paris agreement and where we stand in the process: Watch the video here.
This video offers a powerful reminder that while large-scale international agreements like the Paris Agreement are essential, it’s the cumulative actions of all sectors and stakeholders that will ultimately determine whether we can achieve our climate goals.
Join us in the countdown to COP29
With COP29 fast approaching, now is the time to ramp up action. Whether you’re an individual or a small business owner, a decision-maker in a large company, a freelancer, your actions matter. By joining Climeworks Pioneers, you’re not just contributing to the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere - you’re sending a clear message that the demand for carbon removal solutions is growing.
Let’s push past the 21,000 Pioneers milestone before COP29 begins and show the world that climate action is a collective effort. Together, we can make our voice louder, our community stronger, and our scale-up faster.
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