Ukrainian lawmaker pushes for climate solutions at COP29 Amid ongoing conflict with Russia

Serhiy Nagornyak, a member of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada and head of the subcommittee on energy saving and efficiency, has stated that hosting COP29 in Baku will be instrumental in addressing pressing global issues facing the international community.

In an exclusive interview with Azertag, Nagornyak, who has visited Baku twice — once for the Forum on Intercultural Dialogue and another time as an observer during parliamentary elections — praised Azerbaijan's ability to host high-level international events, Caliber.Az reports.

“Azerbaijan excels in organizing such events, and I am confident that COP29 will be another successful international conference in your country,” he said. “It is important to note that Azerbaijan has secured its status as a regional leader, committed to international law, humanism, and universal values. That is why Azerbaijan is trusted to host events like COP29.”

Despite the ongoing martial law, Ukraine continues to actively engage in climate and environmental initiatives. Nagornyak highlighted the environmental challenges exacerbated by the ongoing war with Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine will present the impact of the conflict on the environment at COP29. “The environmental damage caused by this full-scale war is unprecedented. Ukraine will provide solutions to address the environmental challenges posed by the war and show the damage inflicted not only on our environment but on the planet as a whole,” he stated.

Nagornyak also drew attention to the issue of ecocide in the occupied territories and the environmental damage faced by both Ukraine and Azerbaijan. “Azerbaijan, like Ukraine, has faced significant environmental issues due to occupation. Ukraine's climate policy focuses on restoring ecology in these affected regions, and we are working with international partners to address this,” he noted.

He emphasized that Ukraine is committed to a "green" restoration, with plans to present proactive and strategic measures to achieve global climate goals at COP29. “We are not just reacting to the crisis; we are implementing proactive solutions for a sustainable future,” Nagornyak said. “Azerbaijan’s experience in restoring de-occupied territories and introducing green energy and technological innovations is highly valuable to us.”

The MP concluded that COP29 will serve as a platform to address global climate challenges and promote collective action. "COP29 will not only focus on global responses to climate change but also underscore how the challenges faced by individual countries impact all of humanity and the environment. We must unite to uphold the values that will guide constructive cooperation toward our shared goals," Nagornyak emphasized.

By Tamilla Hasanova