Experts discuss role of technologies in combating climate change in Azerbaijan during COP29

The prospects of using technology in the fight against climate change have been discussed on the second day of the parliamentary meeting.

The meeting was organised jointly by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Azerbaijani parliament within the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media. 

The session featured presentations by Michal Nachmany, founder and CEO of Climate Policy Radar, Tatiana Esteves, founder and CEO of Permalution, and Meera Al Suwaidi, member of the Federal National Council of the UAE.

The discussion focused on the role of technologies, including artificial intelligence, in combating climate change, as well as the exchange of views on new technologies that could accelerate climate action.

Speakers shared their views on the role of technologies, particularly AI, in combating climate change. 

They emphasized that currently, climate change is one of the most critical global challenges. Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events pose a significant threat to the future of the planet. The sides emphasised that there is a need to ensure fair and equal access to such technologies, particularly in developing countries. 

The session highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address this issue. The session emphasised the need for innovative solutions to overcome this challenge. 

The sides highlighted that the proper and comprehensive use of technology can help minimize the impacts of climate change. To achieve this, governments, companies, and civil society must work together and take concrete steps to ensure equitable access. 

Participants of the session highlighted that the primary goal of humanity should be to build a fair and sustainable future by fully harnessing the potential of technologies. 

During the event, the importance of a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable climate policy was emphasised, with a call for expanding cooperation among different countries in this regard.

The session concluded with discussions involving guests who participated in the panel debate.

COP29, which is being held at Baku Stadium from November 11-22, is Azerbaijan’s most significant international event to date and the first time the country has hosted a COP conference. The summit kicked off with the signing of the Host Country Agreement and other key documents between the Azerbaijani government and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat.

One of the central goals of COP29 is the establishment of a New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. To further this aim, the COP29 presidency has introduced 14 key initiatives designed to integrate climate action with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives cover a broad spectrum of critical areas, including the development of green energy corridors, energy storage solutions, climate resilience strategies, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, and the promotion of green digital technologies. A flagship proposal of the conference is the creation of the Climate Finance Action Fund, which is aimed at supporting efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Throughout the event, Azerbaijan has continued to reaffirm its strong commitment to addressing climate change and promoting environmental protection. The unanimous decision to select Azerbaijan as the host for COP29 reflects the global community’s trust in the country’s leadership on climate-related issues. In his opening remarks, President Ilham Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan’s central role in global climate efforts, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to tackling climate change and advancing sustainable development.

By Naila Huseynova