Why Has a Nation Focused on Oil Been Chosen for This Year's Climate Summit?

Azerbaijan's economy, like many other petro-nations, is predominantly driven by fossil fuels, the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions exacerbating global warming.

Max Bearak, having visited Azerbaijan for reporting purposes in July, will return to cover the global climate discussions initiated by the United Nations.

With the backdrop of increasing climate instability and a waning trend in democratic practices, participants are gathering for the UN-led dialogues this month.

Observers in Baku, the heart of Azerbaijan, might find it ironic that these important environmental discussions are taking place under a government known for its authoritarian style and economic reliance on oil and gas.

The Selection Process for Azerbaijan

The route to Azerbaijan hosting COP29 primarily stemmed from the intricacies of the United Nations' often bureaucratic processes, which were exploited by powerful members such as Russia, a nation with its own heavy dependence on oil.

According to the procedural norms, the annual climate gatherings are to be geographically rotated. For 2024, the Eastern European bloc, which includes several post-Soviet nations, had the responsibility of hosting COP29 and was expected to submit a unanimous choice for the venue.

Prolonged disputes within the group saw Russia veto every nation that had publicly opposed its military actions in Ukraine, excluding options such as Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Moldova.

This left only Armenia and Azerbaijan, despite their long-standing conflict, as the remaining interested parties. Ultimately, Azerbaijan was chosen as the summit's location.