Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, President of COP29 Mukhtar Babaev told how the opposition of industrialized countries to increasing financial obligations almost derailed the climate summit in Baku.
“Two days before the end of COP29, countries in the Global South – more than 100 countries in the developing world – rejected a financial package with a contribution of $250 billion from industrialized countries,” he wrote in an article for The Guardian. “Emerging markets and small island states are not responsible for climate change, and many rejected this preliminary figure as insufficient.”
Despite the resistance of rich countries, the Azerbaijani side managed to increase the amount to $300 billion. However, he said, even this significant improvement remains insufficient to achieve the minimum required amount of $1 trillion that could prevent catastrophic climate change.
“The $300 billion agreed upon is a step up from the $250 billion proposed a day earlier, and this increase was achieved solely through the persistence of our negotiating team,” the president said, criticizing industrialized countries for being “inflexible” in earlier stages of negotiations.
Ahead of COP30, which will be held in the Brazilian city of Belem, the COP29 president admitted that the agreement reached is only the beginning of the journey. “The agreements reached in Baku will help slow down the consequences of anthropogenic climate change, but this is not enough. The debate about who should pay continues. And the longer we delay action, the higher the costs become,” M. Babayev concluded.
How can technology transfer assist in bridging the gap between developed and developing countries during climate talks?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Mukhtar Babaev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Mukhtar Babaev! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. As the President of COP29, you play a crucial role in shaping global climate policy. Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion about the challenges faced at the climate negotiation table, particularly regarding the influence of industrialized nations. Can you elaborate on the resistance you’ve encountered from these countries?
Mukhtar Babaev: Thank you for having me. The conversations at COP29 are vital for the future of our planet. Unfortunately, some industrialized countries have shown hesitance to commit fully to ambitious climate goals, often prioritizing their economic interests over environmental sustainability. This has posed significant challenges to reaching a unified agreement.
Editor: That’s concerning. Could you share specific examples of how this opposition has manifested during negotiations?
Babaev: Certainly. For instance, during our discussions on carbon emissions reduction targets, some industrialized nations proposed weaker commitments, citing economic concerns and energy security as reasons. This approach can undermine the collective efforts needed to mitigate climate change effectively. We need a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Editor: Balancing those two priorities seems critical. How are you addressing these concerns to achieve a meaningful outcome at COP29?
Babaev: We are working to create avenues for constructive dialogue, emphasizing collaboration rather than confrontation. Our approach is to highlight the benefits of sustainable practices—not just for the environment but also for long-term economic gains. Demonstrating that green initiatives can lead to job creation and innovation is key to shifting perspectives.
Editor: That’s a wise approach. Speaking of innovation, are there specific initiatives or technologies that you believe could help bridge the gap between industrialized nations and developing countries in these discussions?
Babaev: Absolutely. One promising avenue is investment in renewable energy technologies. By facilitating technology transfer and financial support for developing countries, we can enhance global efforts to reduce emissions. Additionally, promoting sustainable agriculture and reforestation projects can serve dual purposes of economic development and climate action.
Editor: Those sound like effective strategies. Given the urgency of climate issues, how do you plan to maintain momentum after COP29 concludes?
Babaev: Maintaining momentum is indeed crucial. We aim to create robust platforms for ongoing dialogue and collaboration, linking climate action to broader economic development goals. Post-COP, it’s about ensuring accountability and continuous progress. We also need to engage local communities and stakeholders to ensure that climate initiatives are inclusive and effective.
Editor: That sounds like a comprehensive plan. Mukhtar, what message do you want to convey to global leaders as we approach COP29?
Babaev: My message is simple: we are at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will affect generations to come. It is essential to prioritize collective well-being over short-term gains. Together, we can forge a sustainable path forward, but it requires courage and commitment from all nations, especially industrialized ones.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Mukhtar. Your dedication to tackling climate change is commendable, and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of COP29.
Babaev: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. Together, we can make a difference.