Azerbaijan is gearing up to host the COP29 climate talks in Baku, with lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev shedding light on the challenges and expectations surrounding the event. Despite concerns about the impact of Donald Trump’s re-election and the absence of many EU leaders at the talks, Rafiyev remains optimistic about the progress that can be made.
Rafiyev emphasized the importance of high-level political engagement in reaching a deal at COP29, especially given the significant role that EU countries play in climate action and funding. While some European countries are reliant on Azerbaijani gas production, Rafiyev pointed out that these commitments are driven by customer demand and geopolitical factors, rather than solely by climate leadership goals.
As the world grapples with the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5C as outlined in the Paris Agreement, Azerbaijan faces scrutiny over its climate plans and energy sources. Despite criticisms of its current energy mix, Rafiyev defended Azerbaijan’s efforts and hinted at a forthcoming climate plan to address concerns raised by independent assessments.
The COP29 team faced a scandal involving the chief executive, Elnur Soltanov, who was allegedly caught promoting gas deals in an undercover video. However, Rafiyev downplayed the incident, stating that the focus should remain on the important climate discussions ahead. Additionally, Rafiyev expressed optimism about progress in negotiations, even in the face of challenges and controversies.
Looking ahead to the climate talks, Rafiyev highlighted the potential for a peace deal with Armenia, indicating that significant strides have been made towards resolving longstanding conflicts. Overall, Azerbaijan is determined to lead productive and constructive discussions at COP29, despite external pressures and internal controversies. The country’s commitment to addressing climate change and fostering international cooperation remains steadfast as it prepares to welcome delegates from around the world to Baku.
