Photos by Mariana
The 2024 UN Climate Summit, COP29, kicked off this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, drawing an estimated 50,000 participants, a crowd nearly half the size of last year’s COP28 in Dubai. Speaking during the COP 29 event, Azerbaijan President Ilhan Aliyev said, “Having oil and gas is a gift from God,” underscoring the nation’s deep reliance on fossil fuels. The President also insisted that oil and gas were critical to Azerbaijan’s economy.
It is estimated that at least 60% of Azerbaijan’s revenue comes from fossil fuels. Perhaps this is the reason why climate activists criticized the Azerbaijan government for being hesitant to transition from fossil fuels. Critics also claim that clinging to fossil fuels risks sidelining the nation’s climate responsibilities. But worse, still, Azerbaijan’s emissions are set to increase by 20% by 2030.
Renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg also shared similar sentiments. She criticized Azerbaijan’s lack of ambition in addressing climate change, calling out as “greenwashing” efforts. Thunberg also emphasized that the country’s reliance on fossil fuels poses a significant threat to global climate goals. In an interview with journalists, she said that the Azerbaijan government was more concerned about securing oil and gas than securing alternative investments.
Accordingly, Niklas Hihne, a climate expert at the New Climate Institute said, “Azerbaijan is an autocratic country and was not a suitable host for the climate conference.”
In addition, Azerbaijani activist Bashit Suleymanli said,” The Azerbaijan government needs to allow people to freely address themselves when it comes to climate justice.” The environmental rights defender and activist from the Climate of Justice Initiative called for more transparency and inclusivity in Azerbaijan’s climate policies.
Despite the criticism, Azerbaijan’s government proudly emphasizes its commitment to climate action, hosting high-profile events with global leaders to explore paths to lower emissions. Officials maintain that these efforts signal a serious intent to address the climate crisis.