By Faridat Salifu
Argentina’s climate delegation has abruptly withdrawn from the COP29 summit, a decision made just three days into the conference, raising further concerns about the resilience of the Paris Agreement.
The order to leave, given by Argentina’s foreign ministry, and confirmed by Ana Lamas, the undersecretary for the environment, adds to anxieties over global climate commitments as the world faces mounting environmental crises.
Lamas, who has taken on leadership in climate talks following the dissolution of Argentina’s environment ministry under President Javier Milei, provided limited comment, stating only, “We have instructions from the ministry of foreign affairs to no longer participate.”
She did not indicate whether the withdrawal would affect Argentina’s overall commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Over 80 Argentine representatives were initially present in Baku to negotiate critical climate finance agreements aimed at supporting a just energy transition for developing nations.
However, Milei, a far-right leader and outspoken climate crisis skeptic, had previously labeled climate action as a “socialist lie” and suggested during his campaign that Argentina might exit the Paris Agreement.
Although he subsequently backtracked, this recent exit is widely viewed as part of an ideological stance rather than a diplomatic strategy.
Experts have warned that Argentina’s withdrawal could have serious consequences for its climate resilience and international relations.
Carla Chavarria, a climate management specialist, described the withdrawal as a strategic misstep: “At a key moment to secure resources against the climate crisis, the country is left out, weakening its future and its ability to adapt.”
Climate advocates argue that by stepping back from the COP29 talks, Argentina is diminishing its influence over critical funding and resources essential for climate adaptation.
The Citizens’ Association for Human Rights, an Argentine organization attending COP29, expressed disappointment at Argentina’s absence in the gender equity negotiations, a field in which Argentina had previously been a strong voice.
The association noted, “It is sad to see Argentina’s absence from the negotiations after having led on this issue in many of the previous COPs.”
The withdrawal also has implications beyond the climate sphere.
Julieta Zelicovich, a professor of international relations, commented on the broader diplomatic fallout, especially for trade relations between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc, which includes Argentina.
“Without environmental commitments, any possibility of announcing an agreement at the G20 collapses,” Zelivovich reasoning, “If the government wanted to move forward on trade agreements, this is a very wrong step,” emphasizing that environmental standards have become a crucial component in trade negotiations.
Oscar Soria, director of Argentina’s Common Initiative think tank, called the withdrawal “a sharp departure” from Argentina’s historical role in climate policy, describing it as part of an ideological shift under Milei’s leadership.
“This decision is purely ideological and goes against the best interest of the country, whose economy has been impacted by the climate crisis,” Soria remarked, noting the pressure Argentine diplomats have faced to adopt positions detached from practical national needs.
Argentina’s decision to exit COP29 comes amid growing concerns that the Paris Agreement could face additional strain.
The recent election of Donald Trump in the United States, who has pledged to exit the climate accord for a second time, has already raised alarm among international leaders.
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, warned that a renewed U.S. departure could “cripple” the global effort to limit warming to below 2°C.
Some fear that Argentina’s withdrawal from the talks could signal a broader departure from global climate agreements among other climate-skeptic governments.
Milei recently spoke with Trump, with Milei’s spokesperson revealing Trump referred to Milei as his “favorite president,” a statement that has amplified fears over an ideological realignment among far-right leaders on climate issues.
The climate summit in Baku continues without Argentina, but the absence of one of South America’s largest economies casts a shadow over discussions on climate finance and global cooperation.
