Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
Rich countries slammed at Cop29 for spending more on wars and weapons than preventing climate change
A lifeguard hut rests on its side after Hurricane Milton, October 11, 2024, at Clearwater Beach, Fla.

RICH countries received strong criticism at the Cop29 conference in Azerbaijan today for wanting to spend more on wars and weapons than on preventing climate change.

“Global military spending stands at $2.5 trillion (£1.9trn) annually,” Panamian climate envoy Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez told delegates at the faltering annual talks sponsored by the United Nations.

“For some, $2.5trn dollars to kill each other, it’s not enough, but $1trn to save lives is unreasonable.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Attendees listen to Brazil’s President Lula during Cop30
Features / 18 November 2025
18 November 2025

From summit to summit, imperialist companies and governments cut, delay or water down their commitments, warn the Communist Parties of Britain, France, Portugal and Spain and the Workers Party of Belgium in a joint statement on Cop30

Residents walk through Santa Cruz, Jamaica on Wednesday after Hurricane Melissa passed
Features / 1 November 2025
1 November 2025

Hurricanes might have natural causes but the tragedy that follows is entirely human-made and a consequence of capitalist greed, asserts ROGER McKENZIE

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking on day two of the Cop29
Features / 28 December 2024
28 December 2024
The cynical lack of clarity over Cop29’s financial arrangements suggests that the bill will be footed by poor countries, writes TOM HARDY