Azerbaijan, hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, has sparked controversy by defending fossil fuels amid rising concerns about climate change. President Ilham Aliyev delivered this defense directly to world leaders at the summit, asserting the right of nations to exploit their natural resources, which he described as a 'gift of God.'
His remarks came as over 75 global leaders gathered in Baku. Notably, many heads of state from top polluting nations were absent. Western leaders, including Joe Biden of the United States, Xi Jinping of China, and Emmanuel Macron of France, skipped the event, drawing criticism from Aliyev who accused them of hypocrisy.
Aliyev asserted, "No country should be judged for its natural resources," positioning Azerbaijan as both victim and steward of its oil and gas wealth. He defended Azerbaijan's contributions to the energy market and countered criticisms of the country’s emissions, labelling the backlash as 'slander and blackmail.'
During his speech, the President highlighted the many attributes of Azerbaijan’s economy, emphasizing how oil and gas account for nearly half of its GDP and over 90% of export revenue. Yet, he insisted on the necessity of these resources for fulfilling global market demands. "Countries should not be blamed for bringing these resources to the market because the market needs them," he said.
His comments were met with significant backlash from environmental advocates who argue such views contradict urgent climate action needed to combat global temperature rises. Critics maintain, "Countries are not to blame for their natural resources, but they are responsible for the threat they pose to humanity by extracting them from the ground and driving climate impacts," remarked Alex Rafalowicz, director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative.
This year's COP29 aims to address pressing issues like climate financing and the transition to greener energy sources, yet deep mistrust remains between developed countries and their developing counterparts. Adonia Ayebare, Ugandan chair of the G77+ China bloc, expressed frustration over historical omissions by wealthier nations to support climate goals adequately. "We cannot accept it and we asked them to produce new climate financing texts," he commented.
Developing nations, relying on financial assistance from historically immense emitters, demand accountability and adequate funds for their climate action strategies. The haggling over climate financing continues, particularly the stark divide between how much these nations should contribute and how little they currently are, adding layers of complexity to negotiations.
Adding to the tension at COP29, Mukhtar Babayev, the conference president and former oil executive, stated the realization of climate financing needs could range from trillions to hundreds of billions—numbers likely inadequate to quell developing nations' outcry over unfulfilled climate commitments.
The disconnect is palpable: those contributing the least to emissions often shoulder the most significant burdens of climate change. Fernanda Carvalho, global climate and energy policy lead at WWF, warned, "Countries are divided. There is a lack of trust." Without increased financing, many developing nations cannot commit to the ambitious updates to climate goals required by international agreements.
The assertion of fossil fuels by Azerbaijan reflects broader conflicts within the climate dialogue: the necessity of transitioning to sustainable energy versus the economic reliance on fossil fuel industries. Following Azerbaijan's statements, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the urgency of moving away from such reliance, asserting, "Doubling down on fossil fuels is absurd. Almost everywhere, solar and wind are the cheapest sources of new electricity."
While some world leaders remain focused on ambitious climate targets, the realities of energy transitions and economic dependence on fossil fuels raise difficult questions. COP29 serves as both platform and battleground where the influences of politics, economics, and environmental imperatives continuously collide.
Exacerbated by the looming shadow of potential policy changes post-US elections, the uncertainty around climate initiatives is palpable. Concerns are growing over future U.S. climate actions under the leadership of President-elect Donald Trump, whose previous pledges include rolling back climate spending and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accords.
Above all, the wide-ranging discussions at COP29 demonstrate the delicate balancing act nations must perform—between upholding economic viability through fossil fuels and meeting the dire necessity for aggressive climate action to stave off disastrous climate impacts.
Baku’s environment echoes the varied responses of countries grappling with their energy futures amid pressing climate realities. Leaders reiterate the call for universal solutions reflective of their specific situations, emphasizing solidarity as the world navigates this pivotal moment for global climate governance.
Azerbaijan’s firm stance on fossil fuel usage at COP29 exemplifies the challenge facing the international community—a tug-of-war between economic development rooted in natural resource exploitation and the broader imperative to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate climate change.
With global emissions hitting record highs, the discussions at COP29 are urgent and imperative, underlining the need for immediate action and financial commitments. When addressing climate change, the narrative needs to shift toward collaboration and collective responsibility, moving beyond the historical grievances and toward tangible partnerships.
Drawing focus on these aspects may determine how successfully COP29 can advance climate negotiations and empower nations, especially those most affected by climate change.
