November 13, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov spoke at a high-level dialog on “Advancing the Mountain Agenda, Global Trends and Climate Change”, organized as part of the COP29 Climate Action Leaders’ Summit.
As Day.Az was informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event was attended by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr JaparovPresident of Mongolia Khuralsukh of UkhnaaPresident of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudelas well as other senior officials.
During his speech at the event, D. Bayramov spoke about the importance of mountain ecosystems from the point of view of biodiversity. It was brought to attention that disasters such as the melting of glaciers in the mountains, as well as the resulting floods and landslides, require systemic measures. The importance of networks such as the Mountain Partnership, a UN voluntary alliance, was noted in raising awareness of relevant issues and mobilizing resources. At the same time, the need to do more to protect mountain people and mountain ecosystems, as well as strengthen cooperation towards solutions, was emphasized.
It was noted that the Azerbaijani presidency of COP29, among other things, draws attention to the fact that climate problems associated with mountain ecosystems require the development of specific and targeted climate plans for local communities.
What are the unique challenges faced by mountainous regions in the context of climate change?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Climate Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Elena Petrov, a renowned climate policy expert who recently participated in a high-level dialog on the topic of promoting the mountain agenda in the context of climate change. Dr. Petrov, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The dialog you attended focused on the mountain agenda. Can you explain what this concept entails and why it is crucial in the context of global climate change?
Dr. Petrov: Absolutely. The mountain agenda centers around the unique challenges faced by mountainous regions, which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These areas are home to diverse ecosystems and are critical for water resources, affecting millions of people downstream. Promoting the mountain agenda means advocating for sustainable development practices that recognize and address these specific vulnerabilities.
Editor: That sounds significant. What common trends did the participants identify during the dialog?
Dr. Petrov: One of the key trends identified was the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in mountainous regions, such as landslides and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Additionally, we discussed the need for enhanced collaboration between countries that share mountain ranges. This cooperation is vital for implementing effective climate adaptation strategies.
Editor: Collaboration seems essential. How do you envision policymakers incorporating these elements into their strategies?
Dr. Petrov: Policymakers need to prioritize investment in sustainable infrastructure and tourism that respects the natural environment. Additionally, they must integrate local communities in decision-making processes. These communities often hold traditional knowledge that is invaluable for crafting effective adaptation strategies.
Editor: Local knowledge is indeed a powerful tool. In your opinion, what role does education play in addressing the issues faced by mountainous regions?
Dr. Petrov: Education is critical. By raising awareness about the importance of mountainous ecosystems, we can inspire future generations to become dedicated stewards of these environments. Moreover, education should be tailored to equip local communities with the skills needed for sustainable practices and resilience planning.
Editor: As climate change continues to be a pressing global issue, what are some immediate actions that should be taken by governments and organizations to support the mountain agenda?
Dr. Petrov: Immediate actions include enhancing climate data monitoring systems in mountainous regions to better predict and respond to changes. Additionally, securing funding for renewable energy projects in these areas can reduce dependency on fossil fuels, thus lessening their carbon footprint. Lastly, international cooperation in research and development can lead to innovative solutions tailored to mountain ecosystems.
Editor: Those sound like actionable steps. Looking ahead, how optimistic are you about the future of mountainous regions and their role in combating climate change?
Dr. Petrov: I remain cautiously optimistic. While the challenges are daunting, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of these areas in the global climate dialog. The engagement we witnessed at the recent high-level dialog is a promising sign of a growing commitment to address these issues effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights. It’s clear that the mountain agenda is vital not only for those living in these areas but for the health of our planet as a whole. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having this important conversation. Together, we can elevate the mountain agenda and contribute to a more sustainable future.