Global Climate Action in 2024: How International Agreements Can Help Indonesia Tackle Flooding and Climate Change

As climate change continues to represent a critical threat to the planet, the outcome of the major international climate conferences in 2024 has become a turning point in shaping global efforts to combat its effects.

 The 2024 climate conferences emphasised collaborative strategies, such as carbon emission reduction goals and international financing for disaster resilience to address the crisis... Yet we are facing an escalation of the effects of the climate crisis; rising temperatures with blazing hot days and heavy rains causing massive floods, are just a few examples of what is happening all over the world. At the end of 2024, Indonesia experienced heavy rains that caused severe flooding and landslides in various regions across the country. The devastating effects should serve as a wake-up call for action and rise awareness of what is happening on our planet.

Major Outcomes of the 2024 International Climate Conferences

In 2024, two significant climate events—the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) and the Climate Finance Summit—focused on critical issues such as climate finance, carbon reduction, adaptation strategies, and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to tackle the climate crisis. That is why one of the major outcomes of COP29 was the pledge by developed nations to increase climate financing for developing countries by 20%, a commitment aimed at supporting vulnerable nations in their fight against climate change.

Another key outcome was the reaffirmation of the goals of the Paris Agreement, with stronger commitments to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the transition to renewable energy. In addition, discussions on climate adaptation, building resilience and addressing loss and damage from climate-related disasters were brought back to the agenda. This is intended to reflect the need for immediate and sustained action to mitigate the effects of climate change, especially for countries that are suffering the direct consequences of the climate crisis. In the following section we will look at the example of Indonesia, an insular country located between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, which comprises more than 17,000 islands.

The 2024 Floods in Indonesia: A Wake-Up Call for Urgent Action

At the end of 2024, Indonesia was hit by intense rainfall, leading to widespread flooding and landslides across various regions. Cities like Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, along with rural areas in Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan, suffered devastating impacts. The floods caused damage to infrastructure, not only affecting local economies but also leading to displacement of communities and the loss of human lives.

The floods are a clear manifestation of the rising frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, which are becoming more prevalent due to global warming. As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, Indonesia faces severe risks from extreme weather events, including not only floods, but also droughts, and wildfires. The recent flood disaster is a powerful reminder that the global climate crisis is affecting communities all over the world on a daily basis.

Implications for Global Collaborative Action in Indonesia

In light of the recent flooding disaster, the outcomes of the 2024 international climate conferences hold significant implications for countries like Indonesia. The following are key areas where global cooperation and climate commitments are crucial for addressing the impacts of the climate crisis in the country:

1. Increased Climate Finance for Adaptation and Resilience

One of the most crucial outcomes of the 2024 climate conferences is the commitment to increase climate finance, particularly for adaptation efforts in vulnerable countries. Indonesia, as an archipelagic nation with over 17,000 islands, is highly susceptible to extreme weather events, including floods. The financial support pledged at COP29 will help Indonesia implement more effective flood management systems, enhance disaster response capabilities, and build resilience in communities that are most at risk.

In addition to supporting flood control infrastructure, climate finance can also be used for restoring and protecting ecosystems such as mangroves, which act as natural barriers against floods and coastal erosion. By investing in these adaptation strategies, Indonesia can reduce the severity of climate-related disasters and protect its population and economy from future climate shocks.

2. Renewable Energy Transition and Emission Reductions

Indonesia is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world, largely due to its reliance on coal for energy production and deforestation. At the 2024 climate conferences, there was a strong push for accelerating the transition to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions globally. This transition is vital for Indonesia, as the country’s energy production and land-use practices are major contributors to climate change and environmental degradation.

Global collaborative action, supported by climate finance and technology transfers, can help Indonesia accelerate its shift to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. By reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, Indonesia can lower its carbon emissions and mitigate the factors contributing to climate change. A shift to clean energy also supports sustainable economic development, creating new jobs and reducing the environmental impact of energy production.

3. Forest Protection and Deforestation Prevention

Indonesia’s forests are critical for global climate stability, as they act as carbon sinks and support biodiversity. However, deforestation driven by agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and land-use changes has been a major issue in Indonesia, contributing significantly to global emissions. The 2024 climate conferences placed a strong emphasis on protecting forests and restoring degraded lands as part of global carbon reduction strategies.

The outcomes of these conferences offer opportunities for Indonesia to strengthen its forest protection efforts and gain access to international funding for forest conservation and reforestation programs. By working together with international partners, Indonesia will be able to reduce deforestation, protect critical ecosystems, and contribute to global carbon sequestration goals.

4. Addressing Climate Justice and Vulnerable Communities

The 2024 climate conferences also highlighted the need for climate justice, ensuring that vulnerable communities, especially in developing countries like Indonesia, are not left behind in the fight against climate change. The recent flooding disaster in Indonesia disproportionately affected marginalized communities, particularly those living in low-lying coastal areas and informal settlements.

Global cooperation in the form of climate finance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing is essential to ensure that Indonesia’s most vulnerable populations are supported. This includes providing resources for disaster preparedness, improving early warning systems, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events.

A Call for Immediate and Collective Action

The outcomes of the major 2024 international climate conferences are critical for shaping Indonesia’s climate strategy and global collaborative efforts. The recent flooding disaster in Indonesia serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address the climate crisis. Through increased climate finance, a shift to renewable energy, greater forest protection and a focus on climate justice, Indonesia can increase its resilience to future climate disasters and contribute to global climate solutions.

As a vulnerable nation facing the direct impacts of climate change, Indonesia must remain committed to implementing the outcomes of the 2024 climate conferences and collaborate with international partners to protect its people and environment. The time for action is now, and global collaboration is key to ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for Indonesia and the world.