The 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Baku from November 11 to 22, 2024, is set to be a landmark event not only for Azerbaijan but for the global community at large. Preparations are in full swing to welcome specialists, experts, officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and environmental activists. It is anticipated that over 80,000 to 100,000 attendees from 190 countries will converge in Azerbaijan. For two weeks, the world’s attention will be focused on our nation, which will serve as the stage for critical discussions on global environmental issues.
The significance of this event is further underscored by the fact that 2024 has been declared the Year of Solidarity for a Green World in Azerbaijan, demonstrating the government’s serious commitment to climate issues. Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role in ensuring Europe’s energy security and is actively advancing green energy projects. The country has set ambitious goals to meet 30% of its domestic energy demand from renewable sources by 2030, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% within the same timeframe. By 2050, Azerbaijan aims to cut these emissions by 40%. These ambitious targets form part of Azerbaijan’s policy to build a sustainable future.
One of the central topics of COP29 will be climate financing. Developed countries had previously committed to providing $100 billion annually to help developing nations combat the effects of climate change, but this sum has proven insufficient. Today, the global community is calling for an increase in climate financing to $1 trillion, a key element in realizing global climate goals. The responsibility for this, first and foremost, lies with the G7 nations, which must step up their support for developing countries, particularly those most affected by climate change but least responsible for its cause.
Moreover, COP29 will see the proposal of new financial mechanisms, such as the Loss and Damage Fund, which aims to provide compensation to countries suffering from the severe impacts of climate change. The Green Climate Fund, which supports developing countries in implementing climate initiatives, plays a crucial role in this process. Increasing the funding for this initiative will be an important step in the global fight against climate change.
Azerbaijan intends to make concerted efforts to achieve consensus between developed and developing nations during the upcoming conference. One of the most critical topics will be the signing of the “Baku Agreement,” a document that could go down in history as a key milestone in global climate policy. This agreement would be a major step in addressing the climate challenges that the world faces today.
The historical context of hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan is linked to a long and difficult struggle for climate justice. The Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, was one of the first international agreements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This protocol, covering the period from 2005 to 2020, laid the foundation for subsequent agreements, such as the Paris Agreement signed in 2015. The Kyoto Protocol obligated developed nations to cut their carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels. However, the implementation of these commitments was insufficient, which led to the emergence of the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, marked the next crucial step in the global fight against climate change. Its primary goal is to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels—a threshold identified by scientists as critical, beyond which catastrophic consequences, such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, intensified droughts, floods, and extreme weather, could become inevitable. However, many countries, including the largest emitters like the United States, China, and Russia, have not always adhered to these goals, raising concerns within the international community.
Today, the Paris Agreement remains the cornerstone of global climate policy, with 196 countries having joined. However, the current efforts to implement its provisions are still insufficient to meet the stated objectives. Many nations continue to increase their greenhouse gas emissions, and the consequences of global climate change are becoming increasingly evident. This is particularly true for small island states, such as the Marshall Islands and Kiribati, which are at risk of disappearing due to rising sea levels.
The “COP Presidencies Trio” format, comprising the UAE (COP28), Azerbaijan (COP29), and Brazil (COP30), has become an important mechanism for coordinating efforts among host countries. Azerbaijan, leading this process in 2024, is set to propose ambitious measures to strengthen national plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy. The roadmap developed within the framework of the Trio will serve as a key instrument for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
From the perspective of global climate policy, COP29 in Baku holds unique significance. For the first time, a country outside the ranks of developed nations is taking on a leadership role in climate issues. Azerbaijan is offering concrete solutions and is ready to share both financial and human resources to make a real contribution to the fight against climate change. The signing of the “Baku Agreement” could mark a decisive step towards a just and sustainable world.
Climate change is a challenge that affects all nations. Its impact is already being felt in food security, access to clean water, and human health. The World Health Organization considers climate change one of the most serious threats of the 21st century. Even with successful mitigation efforts, phenomena such as rising sea levels, ocean temperatures, and acidification will persist for centuries.
Azerbaijan intends to use COP29 as a platform to promote global climate initiatives, with a particular focus on small island states and developing countries that suffer the most from climate change’s consequences. The conference will also address innovative financial mechanisms aimed at compensating for climate-induced damage, as well as plans to strengthen climate funds. The country is ready to contribute to creating a fairer global climate financing system that will enable all nations to adapt successfully to new challenges.
In this way, Azerbaijan at COP29 will not only solidify its position on the international stage but also offer a new direction in global climate policy, becoming a leader in promoting sustainable development and green energy.