A few days are left before the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP29 (Conference of the Parties) will be held in Baku. Azerbaijan is carrying out preparations for this prestigious event at a high level. The declaration of 2024 by the Decree of the President of the country Mr. Ilham Aliyev in Azerbaijan as “the year of solidarity for the sake of the green world” indicates how responsibly Baku approaches its obligations. As part of the COP29 climate conference, which will be held on November 11-24, 2024, a delegation of up to 80,000-100,000 people representing more than 190 countries of the world will visit Baku. Azerbaijan's hosting of such a prestigious event will bring huge dividends to the country on a local, regional and international scale. COP measures are equal to the UN General Assembly in terms of level.
Azerbaijan, which plays an important role in Europe's energy security, also comes up with ambitious projects related to “green” energy. The government of Azerbaijan has set the goal of meeting 30 percent of energy demand from renewable sources by 2030. Renewable energy sources offer the most promising solution for achieving climate-related goals. Azerbaijan has committed to reducing greenhouse gases by 35% by 2030 and by 40% by 2050. Production and transportation of "green" energy to the world market is one of the priority areas in the energy policy of Azerbaijan. Although the country is a large producer of oil and gas, the main agenda of Azerbaijan is related to “green” energy.
Azerbaijan, like other countries, suffers from environmental problems. The occupation of the country's territories for nearly 30 years, the burning and destruction of thousands of hectares of forested areas, and the pollution of rivers and reservoirs have caused serious environmental consequences. The President of Azerbaijan declared the liberated lands of the country as “Green” energy zone. It is planned to turn these areas into “Net zero emission” zones by 2050.
Another serious environmental problem recorded in Azerbaijan is the gradual decrease of the water of the Caspian Sea. This creates both ecological and economic problems. The withdrawal of the Caspian Sea will cause serious problems related to communication to the countries located on the Middle Corridor. This is because this important transnational project passes through the Caspian Sea. Thus, the ecological problems of both the world and Azerbaijan will be brought to attention and discussed at the events to be held within the framework of COP29.
Currently, Azerbaijan is in the forefront of countries moving towards “green energy”. Baku supports the fight against climate change by joining the “Global Methane Promise” and establishing the “Energy Efficiency Foundation”.
The goal of Azerbaijan is to offer new approaches and innovative solutions not only at the national level, but also at the global level. The foundation that will be created for small states and the donations made to it will bring new partners to our country. COP29 plan of Baku is based on two directions that mutually support each other. Raising ambitions and spurring action. The final document to be adopted at the Summit of the Future, which includes elements such as peace and security, new technologies, and the financial architecture of the future, will lead to positive changes in our world. Azerbaijan is committed to the transparent and impartial implementation of the COP29 during the next presidential term. 14 main initiatives were put forward by the COP29 presidency of Azerbaijan. Among them the “COP Ceasefire Call” is available. It is important to mobilize all political attention and diplomatic efforts in order to overcome climate conflicts. Azerbaijan intends to create a bridge between developed and developing countries during COP29.
Tahir Mirkishili
Deputy of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan
