President Duda at COP29: nuclear is the future

The summit, themed "In Solidarity for a Green World," began on Tuesday (November 12) in Azerbaijan’s capital, gathering world leaders, with Poland represented by President Duda.

In his address, Duda emphasized his dedication to elevating climate policy during his presidency, noting the significance of ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2016. He reflected on Poland’s organization of COP24 in Katowice in 2018, where the Katowice Rulebook for implementing the Paris Agreement and the Declaration on Solidarity and Just Transition were adopted. He described this as a foundation for global energy and economic transformation, stressing Poland’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Duda highlighted the COP24 ministerial declaration "Forests for Climate," underscoring Poland's commitment to forests as essential natural carbon sinks that also sustain biodiversity. He noted that biodiversity is vital for life on Earth and reiterated Poland’s belief in a just transition, stating that such a transformation must benefit society and not compromise current living standards.

Reflecting on global challenges, Duda called for greater synergy between the UN’s climate, biodiversity, and desertification conventions, stressing joint actions on mitigating climate effects, land degradation, and achieving climate neutrality.

He added that global environmental efforts are undercut by conflicts, pointing out that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has demonstrated the environmental damage conflicts can cause. "Therefore, our actions must be comprehensive. Because environmental protection is also conflict prevention!"

With regards to Poland's domestic energy transition, Duda noted advancements in wind power, the rapid expansion of photovoltaic installations, and increased geothermal development.

He also emphasized Poland’s nuclear energy ambitions, mentioning his support for the tripling of nuclear power capacity at last year’s COP28 in Dubai, as he believes nuclear power will play a crucial role in achieving climate goals.

The president stressed that he believes that "nuclear is the future." "And it is only nuclear that will help us to achieve our climate goals and guarantee clean, safe and stable energy!"

According to Duda, Poland exemplifies "a country which, for years, has been able to ensure both: a steady GDP growth and a decrease in the carbon intensity of our economy." "This is the best confirmation that our actions are correct and that Poland is following the path of sustainable development set by the UN."

He expressed pride in Polish solutions that have gained international recognition, encouraging global cooperation to create pro-climate solutions beneficial to people and the environment.

The United Nations climate summit is an annual event organized under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), primarily aiming to limit greenhouse gas emissions and prevent global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius. This year’s conference is hosted by Azerbaijan, a country with an economy heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

President Duda, however, did not join other leaders for a group photo at the event. Asked by journalists, he declined to comment, but sources indicated that he had chosen not to appear with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.