Mukhtar Babayev, president-elect of the COP29 climate summit and Azerbaijan’s minister of ecology and natural resources, has called on nations, including the U.S., to maintain their climate commitments, even if Donald Trump is elected as president in November. He hopes that all countries will demonstrate their readiness to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Trump has indicated his intention to increase domestic fossil fuel production if re-elected, which could impact climate policies.
As the president-elect of COP29, Babayev aims to lay the groundwork for greater climate policy change in 2025. He plans to work with the current White House administration to maintain the climate agenda and secure cooperation on curbing global warming. Despite Azerbaijan’s heavy reliance on oil and gas exports, Babayev stresses the nation’s commitment to transitioning to renewables and investing in a green economy. He hopes to show other fossil fuel-rich countries how they can reduce emissions and move towards green growth.
Critics may question Azerbaijan’s hosting of a climate summit given its dependence on fossil fuels, but Babayev believes it presents an opportunity to showcase the nation’s transition to green growth. He plans to invite oil and gas producing countries to see how Azerbaijan is reducing emissions and investing in renewables. As a bridge between developing and developed worlds, Babayev sees Azerbaijan as an interconnector for climate action. Despite his past involvement with the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan, he assures that his focus is on mobilizing all countries to meet climate goals.
Previous COP summits have faced challenges in achieving their aims, and Babayev’s goals for COP29 are more conservative. He aims to encourage nations to recommit to their prior pledges, including the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. Babayev also hopes to make progress on financing the international climate fund, though challenges regarding climate financing may arise, especially in the U.S. where many voters are hesitant to support funding efforts in developing countries.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has caused significant environmental damage, leading to increased carbon emissions and pollution. Azerbaijan’s close relations with Russia could potentially influence climate change efforts, but Babayev remains diplomatic in his approach. He emphasizes the importance of consolidating efforts to reduce emissions globally and highlights Azerbaijan’s efforts to invest in green energy to reduce the environmental impact of natural gas exports. Despite challenges, Babayev remains committed to mobilizing all countries towards meeting climate goals at COP29.
