(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Climate change
is causing many negative impacts. These impacts cover a wide range
of areas, from ecosystems to human health. International
cooperation and action at the individual level are important to
prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. COP -
The conference of the Parties to the UN Framework convention on
Climate Change aims to guide humanity towards clean, green energy
sources without negative environmental impacts, towards a
transition to green energy.
Is there a scientific basis for the transition to green energy,
and is it technologically possible?
Lecturer at ADA University and green energy expert Orkhan
Karimzadeh told Trend that the transition to green energy is
scientifically justified and technologically possible.
“Scientifically, this transition is important to combat climate
change because burning hydrocarbon fuels increases the release of
greenhouse gases such as CO2 into the atmosphere. These gases
accelerate global warming, leading to serious environmental
problems.“Green” energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower,
and biomass energy produce relatively fewer CO2 emissions, which
helps reduce the carbon load in the atmosphere and slow climate
change. Moreover, green energy ensures sustainability and reliable
energy supply for future generations without depleting natural
resources,” he said.
The expert noted that from a technological point of view, the
transition is supported by renewable energy technologies, which are
used on a large scale and are constantly evolving.
“Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power plants are
already widely used and provide electricity efficiently. In
addition, energy storage technologies such as batteries solve the
problem of intermittent supply from renewable energy sources and
ensure a stable energy supply. Power system modernization and the
introduction of digital control systems are also important for the
effective integration of green energy sources. In general, the
transition to green energy is possible and justified both
scientifically and technologically, and current scientific research
in this field makes this transition even more feasible,” Kerimzadeh
said.
What are the countries' obligations under international
conventions in this field?
The member of the COP29 Organizing Committee, and Chairperson of
the Board of the Social Ecological Center“Ecosphere” Firuza
Sultanzade noted that the countries have assumed obligations under
international conventions. For example, the main objectives of the
Kyoto Protocol are the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
emissions trading, clean development mechanisms, and their joint
implementation.
“The Paris Climate Agreement covers limiting global warming, a
framework of nationally determined contributions, adaptation,
finance, and transparency. As for the general commitments, they are
climate change control, international cooperation, and sustainable
development,” she said.
Azerbaijan's commitments to combat climate change are as
follows:
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030,
i.e. reduction compared to 1990 levels. To achieve this goal,
Azerbaijan is taking measures such as increasing energy efficiency,
expanding the use of renewable energy sources, and restoring forest
cover;
- holding the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change (COP29), which provides Azerbaijan with a platform
to play a global leadership role in combating climate change and
promoting international cooperation;
- Developing green energy priorities: Azerbaijan is working to
expand the utilization of renewable energy sources, such as wind
and solar power, and to improve energy efficiency. This aims both
to help combat climate change and to strengthen the country's
energy security.
To fulfill these commitments, the Government of Azerbaijan is
implementing several measures, including:
- developing a national climate change strategy;
- increasing investment in renewable energy projects: Azerbaijan
is making significant investments in renewable energy sources such
as wind and solar energy.
- promoting energy efficiency: the government is taking measures
to improve the energy efficiency of industrial and residential
buildings.
- restoring forest cover: Azerbaijan is implementing programs to
restore and expand forest cover.
Azerbaijan's fulfillment of these commitments is important for
the well-being of both the country itself and the entire world.
Climate change is a global problem and its solution requires joint
efforts of all countries. Azerbaijan supports these global efforts
with its contribution,” Sultanzadeh said.
What are the key steps to implement the energy transition?
Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Ecology and
Natural Resources, and co-founder of the
EnvironmentalProtectionFirst Coalition Amin Mammadov noted that
Azerbaijan has a great potential for“green” energy.
“Solar and wind energy are in the first place. A state program
on“green energy” has been adopted. The countries of the world want
to abandon traditional energy and switch to renewable energy
sources. This requires large investments. Azerbaijan has already
started working in this direction. Since the technologies are new,
they are quite expensive. To bring them to the country and apply
them on a mass scale requires significant funding. There is
stability in Azerbaijan and investors are very interested in the
country. Using new technologies, it is possible to reduce
emissions. Orientation of investments to ensure low emissions will
strengthen investment processes related to the introduction of new
technologies. Azerbaijan plays a bridging and supporting role to
expand green energy connectivity in the region. Azerbaijan has
developed and is implementing an energy strategy.
The territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation also
have great potential for green energy. Work has already begun
there. Work on the transition to green energy is underway in every
region of the country. In general, Azerbaijan is successfully
implementing the process of transition to green energy,” Mammadov
said.
MENAFN02092024000187011040ID1108627674
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.