Azerbaijan’s Role in the Global Climate Summit
In just a few months, diplomats from nearly every nation around the globe will converge on Azerbaijan, a small yet strategically positioned petrostate located on the Caspian Sea, sandwiched between the giants of Russia and Iran. This gathering is set to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the escalating threats posed by climate change. It may seem an unexpected venue for such critical discussions; Azerbaijan is often seen as remote, operates under an authoritarian regime, and is heavily reliant on fossil fuel exports.
Azerbaijan has been selected to host the annual climate summit, known as COP29, due to an unusual selection process by the United Nations that ultimately left it as the last viable option. Mukhtar Babayev, a personable mid-level bureaucrat unexpectedly thrust into the limelight, is now responsible for steering the talks. He candidly admitted, “We are not renowned for developing innovative ideas regarding green transitions,” during a recent extensive interview conducted in the serene Azerbaijani countryside. “Indeed, this is a new frontier for us.”
Mr. Babayev, age 56, and his team face the daunting task of reconciling a myriad of conflicting interests, ranging from oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia to vulnerable island nations such as Vanuatu, which are already experiencing the dire effects of climate change. They are navigating an incredibly steep learning curve, openly acknowledging their relative inexperience in the realm of international climate negotiations.
Compounding their challenges, they are also under considerable pressure from factions within Azerbaijan itself, where there are legitimate concerns regarding the global shift away from fossil fuels. The country’s economy is predominantly fueled by oil and gas exports, making the transition particularly sensitive. Indeed, Mr. Babayev himself has spent a significant portion of his career ascending the ranks of the state oil company, which adds another layer of complexity to his current role.
Despite a general consensus on the urgent need to curtail fossil fuel consumption, Mr. Babayev defended the role of fossil fuel producers, especially natural gas. This resource has elevated Azerbaijan’s status on the geopolitical stage, particularly as Europe seeks alternatives to Russian energy supplies amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
