An “agreement” very contrary to the principles of the climate conference. The director general of COP29 was trapped by a climate NGO and filmed promoting fossil fuel deals, an act contrary to COP commitments, reports the BBC this Friday.
The trap was set by the NGO Global Witness, committed to fighting fossil fuels and corruption in the sector. Shortly before the climate conference, an investigator from the association posed as an oil and gas investor of the fictitious company EC Capital and invited Elnur Soltanov, director general of COP29, to a video conference meeting.
It was during this meeting that Soltanov, also Minister of Energy in Azerbaijan, proposed “investment opportunities” in fossil fuels to the company. “We have a lot of gas fields that need to be developed,” he said. In the same meeting he also mentions the existence of “very large oil fields”, “pipeline infrastructure” in Azerbaijan and the trading arm of the country’s oil company which “trades oil and gas around the world, including Asia.
“Totally unacceptable” acts.
After this meeting, the fake EC Capital company even obtained, through Elnur Soltanov, a meeting with a senior executive of the Azerbaijani national oil company, “with the explicit intention of discussing an oil agreement during COP29″, explains the NGO Global Witness . A gesture that illustrates, according to the association, the behavior of an ”army of oil and gas lobbyists who, in recent years, have invaded climate negotiations”.
Contacted by the BBC, a former UN COP official found Soltanov’s actions “totally unacceptable”. He even believes that they constitute a “betrayal” of the COP process. The entourage of the minister and the director general of COP29 did not respond to questions from the British media.
COP29, which starts on Monday in Baku, must provide the framework for climate negotiations focused on unlocking the trillions of dollars needed by developing countries. The goal? Enable these countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Let us remember that fossil fuels such as gas and oil are considered responsible for warming the atmosphere and oceans, leading to climate change across much of the planet. “Climate disasters are our new reality. And we’re not up to it. We must adapt now,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lamented on Thursday.
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Climate Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.News! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Maria James, an expert in climate policy and environmental ethics. Dr. James, thank you for joining us.
Dr. James: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Recently, a shocking revelation came to light concerning the director general of COP29, Elnur Soltanov. He was filmed promoting fossil fuel investments, which contradicts the principles of the climate conference. What are your thoughts on this incident?
Dr. James: It’s quite concerning, really. This type of conduct not only undermines the credibility of the COP process but also raises serious ethical questions about the commitment of those in leadership roles. When a key figure in the climate negotiations discusses investment opportunities in fossil fuels, it sends a conflicting message to the global community about our commitment to combating climate change.
Editor: Absolutely. The NGO Global Witness played a crucial role in exposing this. They set up a trap by posing as an investor. How effective do you think tactics like this are in holding leaders accountable?
Dr. James: This type of investigative work is essential. It shines a light on the hypocrisy that can exist within high-level negotiations. NGOs like Global Witness are crucial for ensuring transparency. They help to keep the conversation honest, reinforcing the need for accountability amongst those who wield significant influence over environmental policy.
Editor: In the meeting, Soltanov highlighted Azerbaijan’s gas and oil reserves, which raises another point. Many countries are still heavily relying on fossil fuels. What does this mean for global climate commitments?
Dr. James: The reliance on fossil fuels, especially from key players like Azerbaijan, poses a significant challenge to climate agreements. It shows a gap between commitment and action. Countries that continue to invest in fossil fuels must begin to pivot towards renewable energy sources if we want to meet our climate goals. It’s imperative that leaders not only talk about change but also embody it in their policies.
Editor: You mentioned the need for a shift to renewable energy. What steps can countries take to realign their strategies in light of incidents like this?
Dr. James: First and foremost, there needs to be a clear commitment to phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and investing in renewable energy technologies. Governments should also engage in meaningful dialogues with stakeholders from various sectors, including civil society, to develop a comprehensive climate strategy that reflects long-term sustainability rather than short-term economic gains.
Editor: That’s insightful. Do you believe this incident will spark a broader conversation about accountability at COP events?
Dr. James: I hope so. This could serve as a wake-up call for negotiators, urging them to re-evaluate their commitments to ethical standards in leadership. If COP conferences are to be taken seriously, we need a collective agreement to uphold the values they profess, which means no more empty promises.
Editor: As we approach COP29, what message would you like to convey to the leaders participating in this crucial meeting?
Dr. James: I would urge them to be transparent and to remember the urgency of the climate crisis. Leaders must prioritize climate justice and take bold actions that reflect their rhetoric. It’s about the collective future of our planet, and every decision counts.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. James, for your valuable insights. It’s critical to have these discussions as we move forward. Let’s hope for effective changes at COP29.
Dr. James: Thank you for having me! Let’s keep the pressure on for a sustainable future.