Iran's president to attend COP29 in Baku

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will represent his country at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Iranian delegation, headed by President Pezeshkian, is set to participate in the conference, which will be held on November 11-22, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

Sara Nikbonyad, an official from the Department of Environment, stated that Pezeshkian's involvement could enhance collaboration in managing external dust sources from neighbouring countries and help overcome obstacles to joining the Paris Agreement. She emphasized that climate change is a pressing issue that has not received the necessary attention, with many of Iran's current environmental challenges stemming from water instability and global warming.

Nikbonyad noted that many of Iran’s environmental issues are linked to external factors, particularly dust and sand originating from neighbouring countries. The president's presence at COP29 will strengthen Iran's representation at the conference and enhance the credibility of its efforts to tackle these challenges, providing a platform for negotiations on environmental matters.

Climate change poses significant risks globally, leading to extreme weather events that threaten civilization. In Iran, rising temperatures have led to increased evaporation rates, a reduction in the Caspian Sea's water volume, decreased snowfall, and altered precipitation patterns.

The World Health Organization has highlighted that climate change adversely affects health, leading to illnesses related to extreme weather, food system disruptions, and mental health issues.

Ignoring climate change poses serious challenges worldwide, threatening biodiversity, increasing poverty, and jeopardizing food security and human health. Iran has actively addressed these concerns, recently hosting the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms to raise awareness and seek collaborative solutions. Additionally, Iran submitted a draft resolution at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) aimed at establishing regional and international mechanisms to address the threats of dust storms.

The 6th UNEA, held from February 26 to March 1 in Nairobi, Kenya, approved a resolution on sand and dust storms that reflects Iran's ongoing commitment to combatting environmental issues.

By Vafa Guliyeva