Calix celebrated R&D Program Lead, Gloria L. Diaz Arenas for being the Australian National Winner of the Young Talents category of the Net-Zero Industry Awards (NZIA) 2024 at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Presented by the Net-Zero Industries Mission, the award highlights Gloria’s exceptional contributions to decarbonising cement and lime production and advancing atmospheric carbon removal through direct air capture technologies.
Gloria joined Calix in 2023 after completing her PhD in Chemical Engineering at Monash University. Originally from Colombia, her passion for turning scientific research into impactful solutions is at the core of her work. Her achievements are a testament to the power of research, dedication, and collaboration in solving global challenges.
COP29: A FIRSTHAND LOOK AT THE CHALLENGES AND BREAKTHROUGHS IN CLIMATE ACTION
By Calix R&D Program Lead, Dr Gloria L. Diaz Arenas
As the national ‘Young Talents’ winner of the NZIA award, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024, the summit brought a renewed sense of urgency as the world witnesses escalating climate change impacts, including record-breaking temperatures and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. World leaders and stakeholders recognised the critical need for decisive action, focusing on securing financial commitments, particularly for developing nations, to drive this action forward.
COP29 also emphasised strengthening nationally determined contributions and advancing the energy transition pledges made at COP28. Central to these discussions was the role of climate solutions, including electrification, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies, in decarbonising industries and achieving a sustainable future.
Global climate talk dynamics
Attending COP29 was an eye-opening and transformative experience. From the moment I arrived in Baku, I was struck by the scale of the event – the busy pavilions, press briefings, side events, and the high-stakes negotiations happening behind closed doors. The atmosphere was impressive and infectious. Being immersed in high-level discussions offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness first-hand the intricate dynamics of global climate talks.
One of the most compelling aspects of my experience was discovering the paradox of climate action, or inaction. While the science is clear, and the realities of global warming are undeniable, I gained insights into the reasons some leaders remain hesitant to invest in meaningful changes to reduce emissions, including economic concerns, political pressures and competing priorities. Engaging with delegates, policymakers, and stakeholders provided valuable insights into these challenges, highlighting the complex balancing act between ambition and feasibility that many countries face.
Navigating the path to net-zero emissions
Achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement requires a comprehensive approach that considers every sector, from energy and heavy industries to agriculture and land use. While transitioning to 100% renewable energy is a crucial step, it presents economic challenges. Therefore, a combination of technologies and innovative solutions is necessary to achieve netzero emissions.
During the Carbon Management Challenge debrief, Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management at the U.S. Department of Energy, emphasised the key pillars for achieving net-zero emissions, including ending deforestation, reducing methane emissions, and removing CO2 directly from the atmosphere.
COP29 outcomes: a focus on finance and industrial decarbonisation
COP29 focused on securing financial commitments, particularly for developing nations, to drive climate action forward. A significant outcome was the agreement to triple climate finance for developing countries, from the previous goal of USD 100 billion annually to USD 300 billion by 2035. This ambitious target reflects the growing recognition of the financial needs of developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
In a significant step towards addressing climate-related losses and damages, COP29 operationalised the Loss and Damage Fund. This fund will provide financial assistance to vulnerable nations experiencing severe climate impacts, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The operationalisation of this fund can incentivise countries to invest in CCUS and other mitigation measures to prevent future climate-related losses and damages, further reinforcing the importance of industrial decarbonisation.
Challenges and opportunities: overcoming barriers to CCUS deployment
While COP29 made progress in some areas, challenges remain in addressing industrial decarbonisation, CCUS and DAC deployment. A primary concern is the need for continued financial mobilisation to support the development and implementation of these technologies, particularly in developing countries. While the new climate finance goal represents a significant step forward, ensuring that these funds are effectively channelled towards CCUS projects and other mitigation measures is crucial.
Personal insights from COP29: a call for collective action
One of the most striking aspects of COP29 was the level of cross-sectoral cooperation – public and private institutions, academia, industries, and consultancies – all coming together with a shared goal of addressing climate change. It was inspiring to see such diverse stakeholders aligning their efforts to make meaningful progress.
However, what surprised me even more was the realisation that despite these collective efforts, we’re not moving fast enough. The urgency to implement and scale green technologies is more critical than ever. The technology exists, yet progress in deploying it has stalled, and the clock is ticking on meaningful climate action.
While the weight of the climate crisis was palpable at the summit, there was also a sense of hope and determination among the attendees. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to translate the commitments made in Baku into tangible progress.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like CCUS and DAC, we have the opportunity to make a significant contribution towards a net-zero future. The journey is challenging, but with determination, innovation and collaboration, we can achieve a more sustainable future and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
