The UN Climate Change Conference – or COP29 – in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded at 5:31 AM local time on Sunday, 35 hours later than its scheduled end. A key outcome was the announcement of a headline figure for climate funding to support developing nations in their efforts to tackle climate change. However, this figure faced significant criticism from many delegates.

Will COP29 offer potential opportunities in climate finance and beyond – or has it fallen short on its ambitious goals? Finance guarantees, the green transition and more in this week’s #TheEdit.

• What was it like at COP29? An ecosystem, much like climate negotiations, is not static; it is constantly evolving, adapting and reconfiguring itself – The Beautiful Truth
• The limited reasons to hope at COP29. With disappointingly low direct finance guarantees to the developing world, it is ‘less bad than nothing’ – The Guardian
• Can transition finance get us to a green future? Discover the strides made in funding the green transition. Today’s question is not whether to decarbonise, but how. A very different conversation from five years ago – The Financial Times
• Why every long-term investor should study ancient architecture. This essay details the magnificent time-tested buildings that are filled with lessons in resilience and stability – The Big Think
• How Tolkien and Lewis Re-enchanted a War-Weary World. Discover the pleasure of myths and fairy tales as more than escapism; but glimpses of the profound, transcendent truths of their time – The New York Times
• Can adversity and uncertainty be a force for good? This short documentary episode demonstrates the ups and downs of one environmental scientist’s journey in influencing business – The Beautiful Truth 

All orders of The Beautiful Truth Magazine before Christmas will receive a free tote bag, as a gift from us. Visit our shop here.