Azerbaijan commits to significant emission reductions for sustainable future

Azerbaijan has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2050, with a notable goal to achieve a 35 per cent reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, said Deputy Energy Minister, Chief Executive Officer of COP29 Azerbaijan Elnur Soltanov.

Addressing a Dialogue on Sustainable Development Goals titled "Future Echoes: Bridging Pathways for Climate Change and Global Goals,” Soltanov emphasized that each climate action should reflect progress made from previous commitments, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

"If we planned to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2050, now we expect to achieve this by 2035," he stated.

The Deputy Minister explained that Azerbaijan has shifted its base year for emissions reporting from 1990 to 2022, providing a more accurate understanding of current emissions levels and facilitating improved reporting. As of 2022, Azerbaijan's estimated emissions stood at 61 million tons of carbon dioxide, accounting for approximately 1 per cent of global emissions.

Notably, Azerbaijan's per capita emissions are lower than both the global and European averages, with significant reductions already achieved since 1990.

In terms of sectoral contributions, Azerbaijan has divided its energy sector into four additional subsectors, now encompassing seven sectors overall. The power generation sector attracts the largest share of investment, accounting for 24 per cent of emissions.

Following this, houses, buildings, and infrastructure sectors represent the second highest share. The oil and gas sector contributes approximately 16 per cent of emissions, while transportation accounts for 15 per cent, industry for 14 per cent, waste for 8 per cent, and agriculture for 7 per cent, with net figures considered in the latter.

By Vafa Guliyeva