COP29 President highlights climate change risks to Azerbaijan’s economy

Climate change poses significant threats to various key sectors in Azerbaijan, including agriculture, water resources, forests, biodiversity, healthcare, and tourism, according to COP29 President and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev.

Speaking at the international conference "Law and Climate" in Baku, Babayev emphasized that the impact of climate change is increasingly evident to both experts and ordinary citizens, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He pointed out particular concern regarding coastal zones, noting a significant decline in the Caspian Sea’s water levels in recent years due to both anthropogenic and natural causes. This decline underscores the growing need for comprehensive legal frameworks to address climate change impacts.

"The role of legislation in combating climate change is becoming more crucial," Babayev stated. He emphasized that legal systems must go beyond merely reducing emissions and should also focus on protecting the rights of communities most affected by climate change’s consequences.

Babayev elaborated on the framework of international cooperation, stressing that the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement are central to the global fight against climate change. Azerbaijan has actively engaged in this international effort, having submitted its national contribution document under the Paris Agreement. This document outlines specific goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the country's resilience to climate impacts.

The conference, "Law and Climate," hosted in Baku, is a two-session event that brings together both local and international experts. Discussions will include expectations for the upcoming COP29 session, scheduled to be held in Baku in November, the role of the International Union of Judges in environmental law, and key requirements of the Paris Agreement.

Among the notable attendees are Ramiz Rzayev, Chairman of the Union of Judges of Azerbaijan; Inam Kerimov, Chairman of the Supreme Court and Judicial-Legal Council; Duro Sessa, President of the International Union of Judges; Sabina Aliyeva, Human Rights Ombudsman of Azerbaijan; Basri Bagci, Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Türkiye; and Anar Bagirov, Chairman of the Bar Association of Azerbaijan.

This event highlights the urgent need for legal and policy measures to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and to protect vulnerable sectors and communities in Azerbaijan.