2024-07-08 17:15:56
Source: Trend International Information Agency
This year, Azerbaijan has taken a key role in leading global climate discussions.
Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, Director General of COP29 Elnur Soltanov said this in an exclusive interview with Trend, Day.Az reports.
“The international community has entrusted Azerbaijan with the leadership of the negotiation process, which includes specific mandates and key issues. The negotiation process, which is monitored by the United Nations bodies, includes events that Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the UN bodies, will conduct and complete,” Soltanov explained.
He mentioned the importance of consensus in the negotiation process, where all parties must agree on decisions.
“Azerbaijan also has autonomy within the framework of its chairmanship action program, which defines national priorities in addressing global warming issues,” he stressed.
Regarding the key issues of the negotiations, Soltanov called the issue of finances a priority, especially in terms of supporting developing countries within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
Discussions at COP29 will focus on increasing the agreed $100 billion fund, which is critical for global action on climate change, he said.
“Article 6, on carbon markets, is another important issue. It aims to create a framework in which greenhouse gas emissions reductions in one country can be used to benefit other countries, promoting global cooperation and financial incentives.
“Biannual transparency reports (BTRs) are critical to building trust and accountability in global climate action,” he said.
Soltanov also referred to the Paris Agreement’s principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,” noting the differences in that small island developing states contribute minimally to emissions but face significant climate impacts.
He also stressed the importance of transparent reporting to ensure effective use of financial support and to build trust between countries.
“BTRs facilitate this by detailing financial flows and mitigation measures within the Paris Agreement transparency framework.
As the deadline for submitting BTRs approaches, about 60 countries, including Azerbaijan, are preparing their reports,” he said.
The Deputy Minister stressed the need to support least developed and small island states in their full participation in the transparency process.
“We must provide these countries with the necessary resources,” Soltanov said.
He also drew attention to the unresolved issues surrounding the loss and damage fund, which is critical to addressing the impact of past development patterns on developing and vulnerable countries.
Speaking about the energy transition, Soltanov noted the role of natural gas as a transition fuel, recognized as important for ensuring a balance between emission reduction and energy security.
“In this regard, Azerbaijan’s commitment to the global agreement on methane once again demonstrates its active position in the field of emission control.
Natural gas needs to be recognized as a transition fuel in the future. This is very important before we get rid of pollution and gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions remain a problem; even the global decision to sum up the results at COP28 recognizes natural gas as a transition fuel. This is because it is the least polluting of all the fossil fuels we have. But at the same time, methane emissions must be monitored very carefully because, unlike oil and to some extent coal, natural gas itself is a very powerful greenhouse gas.
At the same time, Azerbaijan, known for its energy corridors, is shifting its focus to “green” corridors,” he explained.
The COP29 Director-General spoke about the EU-backed Green Energy Corridor initiative, which aims to export offshore wind power to Europe via Georgia, the Black Sea, Romania and Hungary.
“A joint venture will be established, the initial feasibility study shows great potential and attracts foreign investment. Regional cooperation includes the pioneering Trans-Caspian Cable project with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which envisages the use of renewable energy sources in Central Asia to meet European demand for electricity. The initiative promises to improve energy security and sustainable development,” he said.
In conclusion, Soltanov expressed optimism about the results of COP29, stressing that the ultimate indicator of success is measurable actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
He also noted Azerbaijan’s historical role in regional stability and energy security as evidence of its global climate leadership.
“As Azerbaijan’s presidency of COP29 runs until 2025, with the key event being the conference this November, our goal is clear: tangible emission reductions that will benefit both Azerbaijan and the world,” Soltanov concluded, expressing confidence in Azerbaijan’s ability to offer effective climate solutions on the global stage.