Baku Prepares for UN Climate Conference Amidst Oil Legacy
- Baku, the host of COP29, has improved its environment significantly since its 'Black City' era, a period marked by heavy pollution from oil production.
- However, activists are concerned that the summit may merely serve as a facade to mask the ongoing oil dependency and its detrimental effects.
- Critics emphasize the need for genuine environmental reforms beyond mere appearances to combat the legacy of the petrostate.
As Baku, Azerbaijan, gears up to host the next UN climate conference, the city’s historical ties to the oil industry are evident. Known as Black City for over a century, Baku was the world’s first oil town, with pioneering wells established in the 1840s. President Ilham Aliyev has announced ambitious plans for a green transition, aiming to increase renewable energy generation from 7% to 30% by 2030. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices, even in a nation deeply rooted in fossil fuels. Despite Azerbaijan's reliance on oil and gas exports, the government asserts that it can balance economic interests with climate commitments. Aliyev's administration emphasizes that gas exports have compensated for declining oil revenues, positioning the country as a burgeoning gas giant. However, critics, including Laurie van den Burg from Oil Change International, highlight a disconnect in international climate diplomacy, questioning the legitimacy of an oil-producing nation leading climate discussions. Azerbaijan's government acknowledges the dual challenges of being a petrostate while addressing the climate crisis. The country faces pressure to implement genuine reforms rather than superficial changes that merely mask its fossil fuel dependency. Experts argue that a successful climate conference in Baku must involve substantial commitments to transition away from fossil fuels, requiring a comprehensive economic overhaul that aligns with global climate goals. As the conference approaches, the world watches closely to see if Azerbaijan can reconcile its oil legacy with the urgent need for climate action.