United Nations climate negotiations resumed Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, with renewed optimism that ministers and negotiators can overcome differences and finalize a deal after a sluggish start last week.

The arrival of climate and environment ministers from around the world is expected to inject momentum into the COP29 talks. Their role will be to guide negotiations and push for compromises that could lead to a breakthrough.

“We are in a difficult place,” said Melanie Robinson, economics and finance program director at the World Resources Institute. “The discussions haven’t yet reached the political level—when they do, I believe ministers will step in to broker an agreement.”

At the heart of the discussions is securing financial commitments for developing nations to transition away from fossil fuels, adapt to climate change, and recover from climate-induced disasters. However, significant disagreements remain over the scale of funding required. Experts estimate that at least $1 trillion will be needed, with some arguing that even that figure may be insufficient in the long run.

“Looking back five or ten years from now, $1 trillion will seem like a bargain,” said Rachel Cleetus from the Union of Concerned Scientists, pointing to recent climate disasters, including floods in Spain and hurricanes Helene and Milton in the U.S. “We’ll regret not acting sooner.”

While climate talks continue in Azerbaijan, another major summit is unfolding on the other side of the world. Brazil is hosting the G20 summit on November 18-19, bringing together leaders of the world’s largest economies. Climate change will be on the agenda alongside discussions on rising geopolitical tensions and global poverty.

United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating in a written message on Friday that “the global climate crisis should be order of business Number One” at the G20 meetings. He stressed that tackling climate change requires action beyond formal climate summits, describing the G20’s role as “mission-critical” in making real progress.