Azerbaijani FM: 1.3 billion people face climate threats, pushing global instability

At COP29, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted the pressing global challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing that ongoing conflicts are compounded by environmental threats.

Bayramov spoke during the high-level panel titled "Climate and Peace: Joint Actions So That No One Lags Behind", Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"COP29 has decided to raise the issue of peace and climate change, taking into account the ongoing conflicts in the world," Bayramov stated. He underscored the direct impact of climate change on food security, water shortages, soil degradation, and displacement, all of which contribute to escalating global tensions. "These developments are catalyzing conflicts and cycles of mistrust, leading to deepening instability. Conversely, conflicts and the devastating impact of their consequences on infrastructure, soil, and biodiversity will exacerbate the climate crisis, creating a situation that undermines peace, stability, and development," he added.

Bayramov further revealed alarming statistics: by 2021, approximately 355 million households and 1.3 billion people were exposed to climate-related threats. "40 per cent of them, 142 million households, or more than 500 million people, live in conflict-prone territories," he said. In response to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, Bayramov noted that the COP29 Chairmanship has led international efforts to enhance climate action.

COP29, being held at Baku Stadium from November 11 to 22, marks Azerbaijan’s largest international event to date, hosting the first-ever COP summit in the region.

Key agreements made during the summit include a Host Country Agreement between Azerbaijan's government and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat.

A key event during the summit was the World Leaders' Summit on Climate Action, held on November 12-13. The summit’s primary goal was to establish a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance.

Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency has introduced 14 strategic initiatives connecting climate action to the Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives cover areas such as green energy corridors, advanced energy storage, climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, and green digital technologies. A proposed Climate Finance Action Fund is also part of the strategy.

The establishment of climate finance mechanisms remains crucial to achieving the 1.5°C climate goal, which continues to be a top priority for Azerbaijan. The country’s commitment to environmental protection and climate change mitigation is reflected in its actions and leadership on the global stage.

Azerbaijan’s unanimous selection as the host of COP29 by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties highlights the international community’s trust in Azerbaijan’s leadership. President Ilham Aliyev expressed that this honour reflects global confidence in the country’s capabilities and dedication to tackling climate challenges.

By Tamilla Hasanova