“Azerbaijan’s President Defends Fossil Fuels as a ‘Gift from the God’ at COP29”
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev made headlines at the COP29 climate summit in Baku by doubling down on fossil fuels and reiterating his belief that oil and gas are a “gift from the god.” Despite facing criticism for his stance, Aliyev defended his country’s reliance on oil and gas, stating that Azerbaijan is not a “petrostate” as it only accounts for less than 1% of global production.
Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s solar projects and green energy zones, emphasizing the importance of energy security. He also pointed out that the European Union had signed a deal to increase gas imports from Azerbaijan following the start of the Ukraine war.
However, UN Chief Antonio Guterres pushed back against Aliyev’s pro-fossil fuel stance, calling it “absurd” to double down on fossil fuels. Guterres stressed the need for countries to slash global fossil fuel production and consumption by 30% by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5C.
In contrast, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new emissions reduction target of 81% by 2035 from 1990 levels, building on the UK’s reputation as a climate leader. While the announcement was welcomed by climate campaigners, some criticized Starmer for not providing a strong plan of action to meet the targets.
Meanwhile, developing countries at the summit united on a finance goal, pushing for $1.3 trillion a year with sub-goals for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. The negotiations between developed and developing countries on the finance goal are ongoing, with differing views on the contributor base and exclusion of fossil fuel projects.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized the need for strong outcomes on finance at COP29, warning that worsening climate impacts could lead to “inflation on steroids.” Stiell called for bolder climate action to address the economic impacts of the climate crisis.
In other news, US President-elect Donald Trump appointed former New York congressman Lee Zeldin as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, pledging to restore US energy dominance. Sweden pledged $18 million to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, while Shell won its appeal against a court ruling to cut its emissions by 45% by 2030.
The COP29 summit continues with ongoing negotiations and discussions on various climate-related issues, highlighting the importance of global cooperation to address the climate crisis.