As world leaders gather for COP29, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

COP29: A focus on climate and humanity

In a developing geo-political landscape, world leaders gather for COP29, the United Nations’ annual Climate Change Conference. COP (short for “Conference of the Parties”) brings together nations, business and community leaders each year to negotiate and coordinate action on the world’s most pressing climate issues.

This year, COP29 can be a chance to take decisive action on climate change, rising global conflict and humanitarian needs.

Why COP29 matters

Climate action has never been more critical. The impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide, with a warming environment deeply intertwined with social tensions, extreme weather and threats to food security. For Pacific nations these impacts aren’t a distant threat: they’re happening right now. Without taking action to substantially reduce fossil fuel use, these impacts will only get worse.

Pacific Leaders like Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, Feleti Teo, have called fossil fuel expansion a “death sentence”, pleading with countries to phase out fossil fuels to protect vulnerable nations.

At COP29, global leaders have the opportunity to agree on bold and responsible action to confront these issues head-on and support those most affected. A key part of these discussions is the need to adopt Real Zero, which refers to the complete elimination of all greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels. Real Zero stands in contrast to net zero targets, where carbon credits, offsets and unproven technologies are used to create the appearance of reduced emissions without meaningful changes to business practices.

How we’re helping make a difference

At the heart of everything we do at Minderoo is a simple but powerful vision: a fair future where both people and natural ecosystems can thrive together.

That’s why we’re focused on backing ambitious climate initiatives and partnerships that address the root cause of climate change and supporting communities affected by the impacts of a warming planet - like increasing conflict, crisis and environmental threats.

Some of our areas of focus include:

• Real Zero Statement: At the UN Summit of the Future, we convened leading scientific voices to urge world leaders to commit to Real Zero - the only path that can reliably limit warming within the Paris Agreement’s guardrails.
• Driving climate research: We announced US$4 million in grants to leading global scientists through the Lethal Humidity Global Council to research the dangers posed by humid heatwaves and develop a global early warning system to help protect vulnerable communities.
• Mobilising humanitarian aid: Over the past year, we’ve provided nearly US$30 million in aid, partnering with UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme and Médecins Sans Frontières to deliver essentials like clean water, medical supplies and food to vulnerable communities.
• Supporting conflict-affected areas: In Ukraine, we’ve contributed over US$13 million to bolster food security, clear landmines and provide safe shelter for families and children.

Minderoo Foundation’s advocacy and action

At COP29, Minderoo Foundation is focussing on the nexus between climate and conflict and the importance of developing a robust early warning system for deadly humid heatwaves.

We are supporting Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 with the Pacific and highlighting that this is a unique opportunity to lead by example on the global stage.

We are also advocating for Real Zero to become the global benchmark—a complete elimination of greenhouse gas emissions—not net zero, which ignores the clear scientific evidence that offsets are ineffectual and hindering the energy transition.

Achieving Real Zero will require bold action from governments and businesses alike. We are committed to supporting the transition to Real Zero grounded in science and backed by data to drive impactful change – creating a fair future for people and our ecosystems.