AS 2024 – set to be the hottest year on record – draws to a close, one of the standout moments in the global fight against climate change was COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan. This pivotal event brought nations from every corner of the globe together with high hopes of striking a financial deal to tackle the impacts of climate change and establishing a global architecture for carbon markets.

I had the privilege to take part in these discussions as a technology diplomat and member of the UN Council of Engineers for Energy Transition, and despite criticism of the financial deal outcome, I remain a realistic optimist in that together we can deliver entrepreneurial innovation to address unmet needs, stimulating the emerging global carbon markets.

Let us look at the facts. COP29, widely referred to as the “Finance COP”, delivered a climate deal worth $300 billion annually from the developed world by 2035 (from the previous goal of $100bn), aimed at accelerating the energy transition in developing nations.........

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