(
MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Azerbaijan gained
pivotal role in leading global climate discussions this year, Elnur
Soltanov, Deputy
Minister of Energy, COP29 CEO, told Trend in an exclusive interview.
"The international community has entrusted Azerbaijan with
guiding the negotiation process, which includes specific mandates
and crucial issues known as negotiation items. The negotiation
track, overseen by United Nations bodies such as the CCC
Secretariat, outlines mandated events that Azerbaijan, in
collaboration with UN entities, will lead and conclude," Soltanov
explained.
He emphasized the importance of consensus in the negotiation
process, where all parties must agree on decisions. Azerbaijan also
holds autonomy through its presidential action agenda, determining
national priorities in tackling global warming issues.
Regarding the key negotiation issues, Soltanov identified
finance as paramount, particularly in supporting developing
countries under the Paris Agreement. Discussions during COP29 will
focus on increasing the agreed $100 billion fund, crucial for
global climate action.
"Article 6, centered on carbon markets, presents another
critical issue," Soltanov continued. "It aims to create a framework
where greenhouse gas reductions in one country can be traded to
benefit others, fostering global cooperation and financial
incentives".
Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) are crucial for fostering
trust and accountability in global climate action, emphasized Elnur
Soltanov. He underscored the Paris Agreement's principle of "common
but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,"
noting disparities where small island developing countries
contribute minimally to emissions yet face significant climate
impacts.
He highlighted the importance of transparent reporting in
ensuring effective use of financial support and building trust
among nations. BTRs facilitate this by detailing financial flows
and mitigation efforts under the Paris Agreement's transparency
framework.
As the BTR submission deadline nears, Soltanov noted that about
60 countries, including Azerbaijan, are preparing their reports. He
emphasized the need to support least developed and small island
states in participating fully in the transparency process. "We must
provide these nations with necessary resources," the CEO added,
reaffirming Azerbaijan's commitment to transparency and global
climate leadership.
The CEO also highlighted the unresolved but significant Loss and
Damage Fund, crucial for addressing impacts on developing and
vulnerable nations due to past development models.
Addressing energy transition, Soltanov underscored the role of
natural gas as a transitional fuel recognized at COP28, balancing
emissions reduction with energy security. In this regard,
Azerbaijan's commitment to the global methane pledge through SOCAR
further demonstrates its proactive stance on emission control.
“Natural gas is required for the future to be recognized as a
transition fuel. This is very important before we get rid of the
pollution and gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions remain a
problem; even the global stocktake decision at COP28 recognizes
natural gas as a transition fuel. This is because it's the least
polluting of all the fossil fuels that we have. But at the same
time, methane emissions have to be controlled very carefully
because, unlike oil and unlike coal to an extent, natural gas
itself is a very potent greenhouse gas,” he elaborated.
At the same time, Azerbaijan, renowned for its energy corridors,
is shifting focus to green corridors, Soltanov pointed out. He
highlighted the EU-backed Green Energy Corridor initiative, aiming
to export offshore wind-generated electricity to Europe via
Georgia, the Black Sea, Romania, and Hungary.
"A joint venture is imminent, with initial feasibility
assessments showing strong prospects and attracting foreign
investment," Soltanov reveals. Regional cooperation includes a
pioneering trans-Caspian cable project with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan,
and Uzbekistan, leveraging Central Asian renewable resources to
meet European electricity demand. The initiative promises enhanced
energy security and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, Soltanov expressed optimism about COP29's
outcomes, emphasizing measurable action on reducing greenhouse gas
emissions as the ultimate metric of success. He pointed to
Azerbaijan's historical role in regional stability and energy
security as a testament to its global climate leadership.
"With COP29 continuing through 2025 and culminating in the
Azerbaijan-hosted conference in November, our goal is clear:
tangible reductions in emissions that benefit both Azerbaijan and
the world," Soltanov concluded, confident in Azerbaijan's ability
to deliver impactful climate solutions on the global stage.
View the full interview below.
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