Greta Thunberg underestimates the real balance of needs and opportunities”/>
Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who staged a protest against COP29 in the center of Tbilisi, underestimates the real balance of needs and opportunities.
As Day.Az reported on Wednesday with reference to Trend, this was announced by the special representative of the President of Russia for relations with international organizations to achieve sustainable development goals Boris Titov stated during the conference itself in Baku.
“The choice of Azerbaijan as the host for the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) is absolutely justified, since climate problems need to be discussed in oil-producing countries. Greta is far from economics, and therefore underestimates the real balance of needs and opportunities,” Titov noted.
He said that fossil resources will play their global role for a long time, and pretending that they must be abandoned at any cost right now is, to put it mildly, unproductive.
“We in Russia are generally not very happy with the reduction of the concept of the green agenda to the narrow economic formula of “an urgent refusal of carbon fuel plus fines for those who do not refuse quickly enough.” And it is precisely this trend that, thanks to the efforts of Western countries, has developed after the Paris Agreement,” added Boris Titov.
He noted that Russia has one of the greenest energy sectors in the world, combining gas, nuclear and hydro generation.
“Therefore, an immediate and large-scale abandonment of traditional technologies is not only economically unfeasible for us - it is not justified in fact.
It’s high time for the global community to change its emphasis in the fight for climate change. After all, anthropogenic factors account for only a small part of greenhouse gas emissions; natural circumstances have a much greater influence. And the reduction of emissions and absorption of greenhouse gases can be achieved not only by industrial restructuring. Forests and the water surface – all of this makes a very noticeable contribution. And such projects must be adequately priced within the framework of a truly fair international market for carbon units, which has yet to be created,” he concluded.
What are the economic challenges faced by oil-producing countries in transitioning to sustainability?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Boris Titov, Russian Special Representative for Sustainable Development Goals
Time.news Editor: Good day, Mr. Titov. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent protest by Greta Thunberg against COP29 in Tbilisi. Your comments suggest that there’s a tension between environmental activism and the economic realities of oil-producing nations. Could you elaborate on that?
Boris Titov: Thank you for having me. Indeed, Greta Thunberg’s protest highlights a critical youth voice in the climate change narrative, but it also overlooks the complexities involved in global development. Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 is significant because it places crucial discussions right in the heart of an oil-producing country. This is where many climate issues are practically unfolding.
Editor: You mentioned that it’s essential for climate problems to be discussed in oil-producing countries. Can you explain why their involvement is crucial in this conversation?
Titov: Absolutely. Oil-producing countries face the dual challenge of shifting towards sustainable practices while managing their economic dependencies on fossil fuels. Engaging with them directly at conferences like COP29 allows for a more balanced dialogue between environmental goals and economic realities. This is vital for creating actionable strategies that are not only ambitious but also achievable.
Editor: Greta has a strong following and her views resonate with many climate activists. Do you think her message detracts from the complexities you mentioned, potentially alienating these vital economic players?
Titov: I respect Greta’s passion and commitment to the environment. However, her approach might inadvertently simplify the intricate interplay between economic, environmental, and social factors. If we want real change, we must include all stakeholders—this includes oil nations that can pivot towards greener practices while ensuring a stable economy for their citizens.
Editor: You’ve criticized Thunberg for having a limited view of economics. What specific insights do you believe are missing from her activism?
Titov: Greta’s activism often focuses on immediate action against fossil fuels, which is necessary, but it doesn’t account for the transitional phases required for economies that rely heavily on oil. Sustainable development goals can only be met if we incentivize oil-producing nations to invest in renewable energy and technology. It’s not a matter of halting all fossil fuel use overnight; it’s about evolving towards sustainability.
Editor: It sounds like you’re advocating for a more integrated approach to climate activism. How can conferences like COP29 facilitate this?
Titov: Conferences like COP29 provide a platform for dialogue, where oil-producing countries can share their challenges and innovations in sustainability. This collaboration can foster investment in clean technologies and encourage commitments to reduce carbon footprints while preserving economic stability.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what message would you like to send to both activists like Greta Thunberg and policymakers attending COP29?
Titov: My message would be to seek common ground. Activists must recognize the economic contexts of their demands, while policymakers should listen to the urgency of climate action as articulated by young activists. Together, we can find a path that balances ecological and economic needs for a sustainable future.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Titov, for your insights. It’s clear that navigating climate change will require collaboration and understanding across all sectors, including those traditionally viewed as antithetical to environmental progress.
Titov: Thank you for the opportunity. Dialogue is key to making meaningful progress in this critical area.