During his keynote speech at the COP29 climate summit, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev defended his country’s oil and gas industry against Western criticism, calling it a victim of slander and blackmail. This clash of opinions highlights the challenge of transitioning to greener energy sources while many Western nations remain reliant on fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, a Dutch court ruled in favor of oil and gas company Shell, dismissing an order to reduce emissions. Azerbaijan’s oil and gas revenues, accounting for 35% of its economy in 2023, are projected to decrease to 22% by 2028.
President Aliyev emphasized the importance of oil and gas resources in meeting market demands, criticizing the double standards of Western countries like the United States and the European Union.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged world leaders to provide more funding to combat climate change, warning of dire consequences if action is not taken. The urgency of addressing climate change was underscored by extreme weather events around the world.
The COP29 summit aims to secure funding for a global transition to cleaner energy sources and mitigate the impact of carbon emissions. The need for climate action is crucial, as the world faces the threat of irreversible and extreme climate change beyond the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Despite challenges and political hurdles, global cooperation and financial support are essential in combating the climate crisis. The economy, livelihoods, and future generations are at stake, making climate action a priority for all nations.