The United Nations' annual climate conference continues Wednesday with brief speeches by nations big and small.

As such, President Mnangagwa said, nations should be adequately prepared to mitigate the phenomena’s impact. “It (COP29) was an occasion where Heads of State and Government were looking at mitigation measures against climate change because it will affect many countries, not only in Europe, but the rest of the world.

The top leaders of the 13 largest carbon dioxide-polluting countries will not appear with their countries responsible for more than 70% of 2023’s heat-trapping gases.

But 2024's climate talks are more like the International Chess Federation world championship, lacking recognizable names but big on nerd power and strategy. The top leaders of the 13 largest carbon dioxide-polluting countries will not appear.

The climate talks often have the star power of a soccer World Cup, but many big names and powerful countries are noticeably absent. That includes the top leaders of the 13 largest carbon dioxide-polluting countries.