Azerbaijani presidential aide lauds UNEP’s timely report on Caucasus climate threats before COP29

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev has expressed gratitude to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) for its insightful report on climate change impacts in the Caucasus region.

In a statement posted on his social media account, Hajiyev thanked UNEP for the valuable report ahead of COP29, per Caliber.Az. 

thanks to @UNEP for useful report on impacts of climate change to the wider Caucasus region ahead of COP29.

•Rising temperatures have caused glaciers in the Caucasus to retreat an average of 600m over the past century, contributing to a loss of more than 11 billion tons of… pic.twitter.com/1rpuWdt876

— Hikmet Hajiyev (@HikmetHajiyev) November 6, 2024

"Thanks to UNEP for useful report on impacts of climate change to the wider Caucasus region ahead of COP29. Rising temperatures have caused glaciers in the Caucasus to retreat an average of 600m over the past century, contributing to a loss of more than 11 billion tons of freshwater. Heatwaves and natural disasters are on the rise, but potential exists for environmental progress," Hajiyev noted.

The UNEP report, which was presented in preparation for the upcoming COP29 conference, underscores the severe effects of climate change on the Caucasus countries. One of the most alarming findings is the retreat of glaciers in the region, with an average loss of 600 meters over the last 100 years. This retreat has led to the loss of over 11 billion tonnes of freshwater since 2000 and is predicted to significantly impact river flows. By 2100, the volume of water in rivers in the region is expected to decrease by 20%.

Furthermore, the report warns of a projected rise in regional temperatures by 3.6°C by the end of the century, with particular consequences for mountainous areas. This temperature increase heightens the risk of flooding due to accelerated glacier melting. In 2023, for instance, intense rainfall and glacier melt caused a deadly landslide in the Georgian village of Shovi, illustrating the dire consequences of climate change in the region.

In response to these challenges, UNEP recommends that climate change adaptation measures be integrated into national legislation and policies in the Caucasus. Key areas of focus include sustainable water management, improved urban planning, and the expansion of protected areas. The report also emphasizes the importance of leveraging local knowledge and traditions to combat soil erosion.

Additionally, UNEP advocates for a shift toward renewable energy sources as part of broader efforts to mitigate climate change impacts in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova