Azerbaijan has promised to reduce emissions by 40 percent by 2050, but it can be noted that they will be reduced until 2035.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Trend, this was stated by the Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chief Executive Officer of COP29 Elnur Soltanov in the dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals on the topic “Echoes of the Future: Coordinating Efforts to Combat Climate Change and Global Goals.”
He said that compared to 1990, Azerbaijan’s emissions will be reduced by 35 percent by 2030 and stressed that each climate action must reflect progress arising from previous decisions.
“If we planned to reduce emissions by 40 percent by 2050, now we expect to achieve this by 2035,” noted E. Soltanov.
According to him, previously the base year of Azerbaijan was 1990, but now 2022 is taken as it.
“It also allows us to better understand the current situation and produce better reports. We estimate that in 2022 our emissions amounted to 61 million tons of carbon dioxide. Globally, this is 1 percent. Per capita emissions in Azerbaijan are lower than in The global and European average has already reduced our emissions significantly since 1990.
We have now divided the energy sector into 4 additional sub-sectors and now cover 7 sectors. Global decision making also dictates that we must cover all sectors of the economy.
The largest sector in terms of investment is the electricity generation sector with a share of 24 percent.
The second is houses, buildings, infrastructure. Their share ranks second in the country. The third is the oil and gas sector. The oil and gas sector accounts for about 16 percent of emissions in absolute terms. Fourth is the transport sector with 15 percent. Industry is next with 14 percent, waste with 8 percent, and the agricultural sector with 7 percent. In agriculture, we take pure numbers. This takes into account forest belts, cover, etc.,” added E. Soltanov.
Time.news Interview: A Conversation on Azerbaijan’s Commitment to Reducing Emissions
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Welcome, everyone, to this special interview on Time.news. Today, we have the honor of hosting Elnur Soltanov, the Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan and the Chief Executive Officer of COP29. Elnur, thank you for joining us to discuss Azerbaijan’s ambitious plans to combat climate change.
Elnur Soltanov: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss Azerbaijan’s commitments and strategies toward sustainable development and emissions reduction.
Editor: Azerbaijan has made a bold commitment to reduce emissions by 40 percent by 2050, with an interim target of 35 percent by 2030. Can you elaborate on the motivations behind these goals?
Elnur: Certainly. Our commitment to reducing emissions stems from a deep understanding of our responsibility toward global climate action. Climate change is a pressing issue that affects not only our environment but also our economy and social fabric. By implementing these targets, we aim to contribute positively to global efforts and demonstrate leadership in sustainable development.
Editor: That’s commendable. You mentioned that emissions will be reduced by 35% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. What specific strategies and actions will Azerbaijan implement to achieve this target?
Elnur: Our strategy focuses on several key areas. First, we are investing in renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar power, to diversify our energy mix. Second, we are improving energy efficiency across various sectors, including transportation and industry. Lastly, we are actively participating in international climate negotiations to ensure that our actions align with global standards and best practices. It’s crucial that every climate action reflects progress from previous decisions, as they build upon one another.
Editor: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach. How important is international cooperation in this journey, particularly as you prepare for COP29?
Elnur: International cooperation is vital. Climate change knows no borders, and collective action is necessary to make a real impact. COP29 will serve as a platform for countries to share their progress, challenges, and innovative solutions. We are eager to collaborate with other nations and learn from their experiences while also showcasing our progress.
Editor: As Azerbaijan pursues these goals, what challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to address them?
Elnur: One of the main challenges is securing the necessary investment for our transition to a sustainable energy system. To address this, we are looking at various financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and international funding. Additionally, there is a need for public awareness and engagement; educating our citizens about climate change and its impacts is essential for the success of our initiatives.
Editor: Education seems crucial for any sustainable development agenda. How do you envision the role of the younger generation in driving climate action in Azerbaijan?
Elnur: The younger generation holds the key to our future. Their enthusiasm and creativity in tackling climate-related issues can lead to innovative solutions that we may not have considered. We are encouraging youth involvement through educational programs and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship. Their voices are vital in shaping policies that will affect their lives and the planet.
Editor: As we look ahead, what message would you like to leave our readers about Azerbaijan’s vision for a sustainable future?
Elnur: I would encourage everyone to recognize that tackling climate change is a shared responsibility. Azerbaijan is committed to reducing harmful emissions and leading by example in sustainable development. However, we cannot succeed in isolation. We need the support and concerted efforts of individuals, communities, and nations worldwide. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.
Editor: Thank you, Elnur, for sharing your insights and vision. We look forward to following Azerbaijan’s progress in the fight against climate change.
Elnur: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important topic.