COP29 host Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev defended the nation’s oil and gas industry as a ‘gift from God’ while criticizing Western nations for hypocrisy. He emphasized the importance of fossil fuels in Azerbaijan’s economy and condemned negative media portrayals. UN Secretary-General Guterres called for urgent climate action and leadership from G20 countries amidst rising global temperatures.
At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev dismissed criticism of the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, declaring oil and gas to be a ‘gift from God.’ He criticized Western nations for their hypocrisy, highlighting that they purchase oil and gas while condemning Azerbaijan’s energy practices. Aliyev contended that criticism from foreign media and NGOs represents a misrepresentation of Azerbaijan’s role in energy supply. He emphasized that no nation should be faulted for providing natural resources that the global market demands. As Europe seeks alternatives to Russian energy post-Ukraine invasion, Azerbaijan has become an essential supplier, further complicating discussions surrounding its fossil fuel dependence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at the same summit, urged nations, particularly G20 countries, to take a proactive role in combating climate change, stressing the urgency due to escalating global temperatures.
Azerbaijan, rich in oil and gas reserves, has faced scrutiny over its energy policy, particularly regarding the use of fossil fuels. As global discussions around climate change intensify, countries that rely heavily on fossil fuels, such as Azerbaijan, find themselves under pressure from both environmental groups and international bodies. The COP29 summit serves as a platform for addressing these tensions, with calls for a transition to sustainable energy practices juxtaposed against the economic realities faced by fossil fuel-rich nations. The summit is also crucial for Europe, which is reassessing its energy dependencies after geopolitical shifts, particularly related to Russia.
President Aliyev’s remarks at COP29 illustrate the ongoing tension between fossil fuel production and climate change discussions. His defense of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry highlights the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy while addressing economic dependencies. As nations gather to negotiate climate commitments, the dichotomy between resource-rich countries and climate action pressures remains a significant challenge. The summit represents a pivotal moment for both addressing climate concerns and recognizing the realities of energy dependence.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
