Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 has stirred accusations of greenwashing. However, the country aims to use this summit to unite nations and advance real climate solutions. Hikmet Hajiyev, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy Advisor, denies these claims, emphasizing the need for collaboration to tackle climate change.
Azerbaijan’s Role in Energy Transition
Azerbaijan has been a key fossil fuel player since the 19th century. Its oil and gas reserves helped fund its development, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Despite contributing only 0.01% of global emissions, Azerbaijan provides Europe with transitionary gas, reducing coal use in the region. Hajiyev highlights that renewable energy alternatives cannot meet the world’s energy needs yet, making the transition a long-term goal.
While the country’s past remains rooted in fossil fuels, its future lies in renewable energy, such as wind power from the Caspian Sea. These efforts aim to strengthen Europe’s energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
COP29’s Focus on Collaboration Over Virtue-Signaling
Azerbaijan aims to move beyond symbolic gestures at COP29. Hajiyev stresses that discussions should focus on future commitments, not past actions. He argues that fossil fuel producers should not be excluded from the conversation, as no country is free from the fossil fuel supply chain. For real solutions, the focus should be on cooperation and progress toward global climate goals.
Azerbaijan is also leading efforts to harness wind energy from the Caspian Sea, with plans to connect its reserves to Europe’s grid via a subsea cable. This project could significantly contribute to European energy while promoting collaboration between producers and consumers.
Peace and Progress: Azerbaijan’s New Role on the Global Stage
The success of COP29 is also a symbol of Azerbaijan’s peace efforts. After years of conflict with Armenia, a historic peace deal paved the way for Azerbaijan to host the summit. While some critics accuse Azerbaijan of “peace-washing,” Hajiyev argues the peace deal reflects genuine progress toward a cooperative, sustainable future.
Moving Toward Action: A Collective Global Effort
Hajiyev calls for a new climate fund to support developing nations, emphasizing that climate change affects vulnerable regions disproportionately. He insists that all countries, regardless of their past emissions, must contribute to solving the crisis. COP29 is not just about talking, but taking real, collaborative steps toward meaningful climate solutions.
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