(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Nazrin Abdul
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Azerbaijan has secured another notable milestone by winning the
bid to host the 29th session of the conference of the Parties
(COP29) to the Framework convention on Climate Change, underscoring
its growing role on the global environmental stage. Despite its
traditional reliance on oil and gas exports, Azerbaijan has
increasingly positioned itself as a champion of sustainability and
a leader in promoting the "green economy" within the region.
The country's commitment to environmental stewardship stretches
back years. At the historic UN Summit in September 2015, Azerbaijan
joined world leaders in adopting the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development," committing to a comprehensive approach that
integrates environmental preservation with socio-economic
progress.
In a significant step towards global climate action, Azerbaijan
signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, enhancing its
obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. By
October 2015, Azerbaijan had submitted its ambitious "Nationally
Determined Contributions" (NDC), outlining plans to slash
greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030, compared to 1990
levels.
Looking ahead, Azerbaijan solidified its climate commitments
during COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, targeting a 40% reduction in its
global climate impact by 2050. Central to these efforts is the
development of renewable energy sources, which has become a
cornerstone of Azerbaijan's strategy to achieve sustainable energy
independence. By the end of 2027, Azerbaijan plans to have nine
solar and wind power stations operational, collectively capable of
generating 2 gigawatts of clean energy. By 2030, an additional 10
such stations are set to come online, potentially boosting capacity
to 5 gigawatts.
As preparations intensify for COP29 in November, climate change
remains a pivotal issue on Azerbaijan's agenda. The nation aims to
collaborate closely with international partners to explore
innovative solutions and drive collective action towards mitigating
global warming. President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of
addressing the financial needs of developing countries advancing
climate initiatives, viewing it as a strategic investment in a
shared future for humanity and future generations.
"To agree on a new collective commitment aimed at meeting the
increasing financial needs of developing countries affected by
climate change is a crucial task before us all, an investment in
our shared future, collective responsibility towards present and
future generations. Azerbaijan will take all necessary measures to
ensure these negotiations proceed transparently and inclusively,
accelerating the fulfillment of previously undertaken obligations
and pledges," President Ilham Aliyev stated.
The global landscape for climate financing presents challenges,
with $2 trillion earmarked this year for transitioning to clean
energy and combating climate change. However, a significant
portion-roughly 85%-of these funds is allocated to developed
economies and China, leaving developing nations grappling with
substantial hurdles in securing adequate financing for effective
climate solutions.
In his comment to Azernews on the issue, professor and economic
expert Elshad Mammadov stated that policies regarding green energy
initiatives are predominantly driven by the interests of political
and economic groups.
"In my view, many of the discussions and promotional campaigns
surrounding the green economy do not reflect genuine economic and
technological processes or calls for environmental protection.
Instead, they often serve the agendas of specific political and
economic groups, which is regrettable."
Regarding the scientific investigation of global warming and
other environmental challenges, the expert emphasized that the
issues raised under the green agenda often diverge significantly
from real technological, economic, and humanitarian concerns.
"Today, if we scrutinize the direction of investments, we
observe significant disparities. Conversely, countries experiencing
resource poverty and those that have long benefited economically
from exploiting other regions' resources are now attempting to
disadvantage resource-rich nations through new agendas, ultimately
seeking competitive advantages."
The expert underscored the necessity of forming an international
coalition to address these issues comprehensively.
"Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a fundamental approach to
these challenges. I am convinced that establishing an international
coalition involving multiple states and economic and political
groups is essential. This coalition should aim to prevent the
exploitation of global economic, technological, humanitarian, and
social issues under the guise of the green agenda."
Furthermore, the expert emphasized the importance of
prioritizing informed perspectives on these matters.
"I believe that many countries and business circles are using
the green agenda and green economy to assert their political
influence over other nations and peoples. This approach, viewed
globally and regionally, does not bode well for the world."
Azerbaijan's emphasis on renewable energy development,
highlighted by plans to operationalize numerous solar and wind
power stations, reflects its strategic vision for achieving energy
independence while reducing environmental impact.
As preparations for COP29 intensify, Azerbaijan stands poised to
collaborate with international partners in pursuing innovative
solutions to climate challenges. President Ilham Aliyev's call to
support developing countries in their climate initiatives
underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to equitable global climate
action.
However, as noted by economic expert Elshad Mammadov, the
implementation of green energy policies often intersects with
political and economic interests, potentially detracting from
genuine environmental progress. This highlights the importance of a
balanced approach and international cooperation to ensure that the
green agenda truly serves global environmental goals.
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