“Taking Action: Balancing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Footprints for a Sustainable Future”

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. This conference will bring together world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and activists to discuss and address the critical issue of balancing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing carbon footprints.

The impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change is undeniable, leading to severe environmental pollution, groundwater contamination, air pollution, and health problems. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides, and hydrofluorocarbons are emitted through human activities like burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and deforestation.

The global average temperature has risen by 0.7°C since the start of the industrial era, resulting in changes in precipitation patterns, ecological zones, water surfaces, and glaciers. Adapting to climate change has become a necessity, with regions like East Africa and countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam experiencing severe impacts on agriculture and water resources.

To mitigate the effects of climate change, it is crucial to establish a final acceptable limit for temperature increase, with many scientists agreeing on a 2°C limit. However, global carbon emissions increased by 3% in 2011, reaching a record 34 billion tons, with the G-20 countries contributing significantly to these emissions.

In Azerbaijan, carbon emissions were approximately 58.1 million tons in 2021, with the energy sector accounting for 81.2% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The country aims to reduce emissions by 35% by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement. Economic diversification and a more dynamic private sector are essential for achieving decarbonisation goals in Azerbaijan.

Companies can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by utilising renewable energy sources, implementing energy efficiency measures, maintaining sustainable supply chains, and focusing on recycling and waste management. Social responsibility initiatives, such as promoting remote work to reduce traffic emissions, are also crucial in the fight against climate change.

The upcoming COP29 conference in Baku presents an opportunity for countries, companies, and individuals to come together and make significant decisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It is essential for everyone to play their part in maintaining the heat and gas balance for a sustainable future.