Russia’s special rep criticises Greta Thunberg’s climate stance Backs Azerbaijan as host for COP29

Boris Titov, Russia’s Special Representative for International Organisations in Sustainable Development, has defended the decision to host the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan.

He emphasised that discussing climate issues in oil-producing countries is crucial, given their role in global energy production, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Speaking at COP29, Titov criticised Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg for her stance on the selection of the venue. On November 11, Thunberg, along with the Caucasus Feminist Anti-War Movement, had staged a protest in the centre of Tbilisi against the conference, arguing that hosting such an event in Azerbaijan was inappropriate.

Titov countered these criticisms, stating, "Greta Thunberg has no understanding of the factors behind choosing venues for climate discussions. She is far removed from economic realities and fails to appreciate the true balance between needs and capabilities. Fossil resources will continue to play a significant global role for the foreseeable future, and pretending that they should be completely abandoned immediately is, to put it mildly, unproductive."

He also expressed full support for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s surprise at the criticism directed at the country over its oil industry, calling oil a "natural gift" for Azerbaijan.

Titov further argued that the global community needs to shift its focus in the fight against climate change.

"Human-induced factors account for only a small portion of greenhouse gas emissions, with natural processes playing a much larger role. Reducing emissions and absorbing greenhouse gases cannot be achieved solely through industrial restructuring. Forests and water surfaces make significant contributions, and such projects should be properly recognised in the creation of a truly fair international carbon credit market, which is still to be developed."

His remarks highlight a growing debate within the global climate community about how best to address climate change while balancing economic and environmental considerations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev