For the first time in recorded history, Al-Jawf, a region synonymous with intense heat and arid landscapes, was blanketed in snow, followed by heavy rain, hail, and sudden waterfalls.
This rare weather event has added urgency to the discussions at COP29, where leaders from nearly 200 countries are convening to address the escalating impacts of climate change.
Rising pressure at COP29 to address extreme weather
In Baku, where COP29 is being held from November 11-22, diplomats and experts are focusing on urgent climate finance needs.
Moving away from fossil fuels, building resilient cities, and supporting adaptation in vulnerable regions will require trillions of dollars—funding that many countries, especially poorer nations, simply don’t have access to.
Leaders at COP29 are pushing for increased financial commitments, aiming to secure resources at competitive interest rates for developing nations to support clean energy and climate adaptation projects.
The meeting also comes at a time of political and environmental volatility, with the recent election of US President Donald J. Trump—who has dismissed climate change as a “hoax”—and in a year projected to be the hottest ever.
The Saudi snow has underscored the need for swift and substantial action. With the climate increasingly out of balance, such unpredictable weather patterns may become more common, disrupting ecosystems and economies worldwide.
As negotiators work toward a final agreement in Baku, there is growing recognition that commitments to climate adaptation and resilience must be bolstered to support those on the frontlines of climate change—especially in arid regions where water scarcity and extreme heat are becoming existential issues.
New climate plans, stronger emissions targets needed
At COP29, countries are also unveiling updated national climate action plans. These plans outline each nation’s commitment to reduce emissions and limit global warming, now seen as essential to containing climate extremes. However, many experts argue that current pledges remain insufficient.
Scientists have consistently warned that warming above 1.5°C could lead to irreversible damage, with consequences spanning everything from food security to rising sea levels.
Saudi Arabia’s unexpected snow is also a reminder that no place is immune. Negotiators in Baku face pressure to secure stronger, enforceable emissions targets that reflect the rapidly escalating climate crisis.
This includes commitments not just from traditionally high-emission countries but also from emerging economies, where rapid industrial growth can impact global climate goals.
Climate change as a shared responsibility
With the UAE, Oman, and other Gulf countries also experiencing unprecedented rainfall and storms, there’s a rising call for coordinated, cross-border approaches to climate adaptation and resilience.
As the world watches the snow-dusted sands of Al-Jawf, COP29 delegates are reminded that the stakes of climate inaction are rising.
With events like these pointing to an uncertain future, the question looms: will COP29 serve as the wake-up call the world needs to secure a sustainable future?