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Azerbaijan and COP29: A Paradoxical Pairing
Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 raises questions about its commitment to climate change amidst its reliance on fossil fuels and human rights abuses.
French
France
PoliticsMiddle EastClimate ChangeGeopoliticsEnergy SecurityEnvironmentClimateHumanrights
UnReporters Without BordersEuropean Union
Ilham AliyevEmmanuel MacronOlaf ScholzUrsula Von Der Leyen
- Why are several European leaders not attending COP29?
- France's President Macron will not attend COP29 due to deteriorating relations with Azerbaijan. This strained relationship is caused by France's support for Armenia and the recent murder of an Azerbaijani refugee in France. The European Union's participation in the conference will also be low-key.
- What is President Aliyev's main goal in hosting COP29?
- President Aliyev's hosting of COP29 in Baku is primarily aimed at improving Azerbaijan's international image and respectability. His autocratic rule, marked by human rights abuses and suppression of dissent, has damaged the country's reputation. The recent military victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has boosted his popularity.
- What is the status of human rights and press freedom in Azerbaijan?
- The Azerbaijani government's crackdown on dissent has intensified, with arrests of journalists and opposition figures. Independent environmental organizations no longer operate in Azerbaijan, hindering effective environmental monitoring and advocacy. This lack of independent oversight is a major concern for environmental activists.
- Why is Azerbaijan, a major oil producer, hosting the COP29 climate conference?
- Azerbaijan, a petro-state heavily reliant on fossil fuels, is hosting COP29, a major UN climate conference. This seems counterintuitive, given the government's prioritization of oil and gas over green transitions. The president, Ilham Aliyev, has justified this stance by claiming fossil fuels are essential for global development.
- What is the role of civil society in effective climate action, and what is the situation in Azerbaijan?
- The lack of independent civil society participation undermines Azerbaijan's efforts to address climate change. Effective climate action requires open dialogue, independent monitoring, and citizen involvement. The international community needs to press President Aliyev to allow meaningful participation from civil society groups.