The spotlight is shining brightly on Baku, Azerbaijan, as the world gathers for COP29, the United Nations climate summit. But amid the discussions about our warming planet, troubling reports emerge about how the host country is treating those who dare to speak out for climate justice. Human rights groups allege the Azerbaijani government is using this prestigious event as cover to suppress dissent and silence environmental activists.
This is not the first time the host of such talks has been accused of curbing freedoms. The Climate Action Network, representing nearly 2,000 organizations, emphasizes the need for civil society to thrive, claiming the constraints imposed on activists undermine the very essence of these climate summits.
Critics point out Azerbaijan's increasing number of political prisoners, with reports indicating over 300 individuals, including environmental activists and journalists, are currently imprisoned. The Azerbaijani government firmly denies these claims, asserting it does not hold any political prisoners.
The situation has become dire for many activists. Gubad Ibadoglu, once free to critique Azerbaijan's resource management, now finds himself under house arrest, battling dubious fraud charges. His daughter has reached out to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, seeking help for her father, who fears for his life amid health issues.
Another case drawing attention is Anar Mammadli, who was detained shortly after co-founding an organization pressuring the government to align its practices with the Paris Agreement, which aims to mitigate climate change. Human rights defenders fear his arrest is part of Azerbaijan's broader strategy to deter protests.
During COP29, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev lauded oil and gas as gifts to the nation, stating, "Every natural resource... should not be blamed for having them." His stance on fossil fuels starkly contrasts with global calls for immediate action against climate change, raising eyebrows and concerns about the country's commitment to the climate agenda.
Shifting focus from Azerbaijan, experts are voicing urgent calls for reform of the COP process itself. Notable figures like former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and ex-UN climate chief Christiana Figueres argue the current structure fails to meet modern climate challenges. They demand changes to hosting criteria, insisting only countries genuinely pushing for fossil fuel transitions should lead talks.
The COP process has long been criticized for its slow pace, as evidenced by rising greenhouse gas emissions, which increased nearly 1% from last year, firmly against the targets set to keep global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5°C—a threshold scientists deem perilous for humanity.
Figueres insists the COP structure is indispensable for fostering international climate agreements but agrees it requires modernization to effectively address the rapid evolution of climate science and policy.
Island nations attending COP29 express fear of being sidelined as discussions shift to wealthier countries’ round tables. This concern highlights the need for inclusivity, as the voices of those most affected by climate change are traditionally heard less than industrialized nations.
Critically, the way countries are chosen to host the COP talks faces scrutiny. With Azerbaijan succeeding the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, there’s anxiety among climate advocates over whether these nations can genuinely prioritize environmental issues over their fossil fuel profits.
At the conference, allegations have emerged of Azerbaijani officials courting investment deals for state oil and gas companies, raising red flags about the climate motives behind hosting the summit.
Despite these controversies, the UN continues to hold COP meetings, defending its commitment to engaging civil society. The latest Host Country Agreement reportedly includes provisions aimed at protecting human rights more firmly than past iterations. Yet, activists argue such protections mean little without enforcement mechanisms.
Notably, during COP29, the relationship between fossil fuel dependence and climate discussions crystallized when Environmental Campaigners pointed out the irony of oil-rich nations championing climate initiatives. Meanwhile, some activists call for direct action against what they see as greenwashing by leaders like Aliyev.
Leading voices argue any successful climate strategy must directly involve civil society. Tasneem Essop, executive director of the Climate Action Network, highlights the pivotal role activists play and warns of the detrimental impact of their repression.
Only time will tell if the discussions at COP29 will lead to substantive change or if they will serve as yet another platform for nations to pay lip service to environmental concerns without taking concrete action. The fate of climate activism and accountability is at stake as the world watches closely, questioning the motives behind the summit and the sincerity of its host.
