The Conference of the Parties (COP), an important milestone in the climate crisis and a sustainable world, will be held for the 29th time this year with the gathering of countries that have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Each year, a different country hosts the COP, which is realized under the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change signed in 1992, and the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and Finance signed in 2015.
The Conference of the Parties, acting together to stabilize the climate system at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference, will take place this year in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on 11-22 November 2024, with the participation of thousands of professionals under the theme “In Solidarity for a Green World”.[i]
Looking at the published agenda and the program of thematic days; presenting how far countries have progressed through the Paris Agreement, developing low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, creating incentives for low-carbon technologies, discussing ways to increase climate finance, ensuring collective progress, identifying sustainable digital transformations, solution proposals on food security, finding common points on financing urban climate actions, underlining the importance of providing aid to countries adversely affected by climate change, creating adaptation strategies and many similar topics.[ii] In addition, this conference is called the “COP on Finance” and the opportunity to align climate finance contributions to global needs is being pursued. [iii]
In particular, sensitization on climate justice is increasing year by year. Poor and developing countries, which are least responsible for emissions but most affected by climate change, are a major concern. Although about 4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from Africa, it is also the continent most affected by the changes. Similarly, while the greenhouse gas emissions of island states are around 1%, these countries face the danger of extinction by being submerged underwater.[iv] It is considered contrary to the principle of “climate justice” for developed countries to leave developing countries alone with the consequences of the climate crisis while maintaining their economic growth.
Due to the presence of reserves in the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan’s stance on sustainability is very important as the country’s economy relies heavily on oil and gas exports. The EU is a major importer of Azerbaijani gas and in 2022 signed an agreement to double gas imports from Azerbaijan by 2027. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said that he will “defend the right of other fossil fuel-rich countries to continue investment and production” because “the world needs it”.[v] In addition, the country’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050 and increasing the country’s renewable energy capacity to 30% were announced at COP29.[vi]
Living in a clean and healthy environment is a globally recognized human right. The climate crisis affects many other human rights, including the rights to life, housing, food, and water. Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels, are trapping heat and causing severe consequences. In many countries, people are already being affected by this damage, and both the pace and scale of this will increase exponentially and variably in the foreseeable future.[vii]
That is why COP29, hosted by Azerbaijan, is a critical platform for strengthening international cooperation to tackle climate change. This meeting provides an opportunity for countries to update their climate targets, increase their emission reduction commitments, and reach agreements on issues such as financing.
The importance of COP29 can be summarized under the following headings:
- Emission Targets: Countries are expected to review their commitments in the Paris Agreement and set new targets. This will contribute to efforts to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
- Financing: Developing countries must be provided with the necessary finance to tackle climate change. COP29 could pave the way for new commitments in this regard.
- Adaptation Strategies: Developing the necessary strategies to adapt to climate change will help countries become more resilient in this process.
- International Cooperation: As climate change is a global problem, cooperation and solidarity among countries are vital to develop solutions.
This is why COP29 in Azerbaijan is considered an important milestone for climate action.
[i] “With fewer than 100 days to COP29, what’s on the agenda?”, Weforum, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/08/what-is-cop29-climate-change-summit-priorities/, (Accessed: 23.10.2024).
[ii] “COP29 Agenda and Thematic Days Published”, Chec International, https://www.checinternational.org/news/cop29-agenda-and-thematic-days-published, (Accessed: 23.10.2024).
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] “Azerbaycan, tarihindeki en büyük uluslararası organizasyon olan COP 29’a hazırlanıyor”, AA, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/azerbaycan-tarihindeki-en-buyuk-uluslararasi-organizasyon-olan-cop-29a-hazirlaniyor/3309149#, (Accessed: 23.10.2024).
[v] “Birleşmiş Milletler İklim Değişikliği Konferansı (COP29): Sorular ve Yanıtlar”, HRW, https://www.hrw.org/tr/news/2024/09/24/questions-and-answers-united-nations-climate-change-conference-cop29#_Why_is_the, (Accessed: 23.10.2024).
[vi] “In Solidarity for a Green World”, COP29, https://cop29.az/en/home, (Accessed: 23.10.2024).
[vii] Ibid.
