The COP29 climate summit opened in Baku, Azerbaijan, with strong polarization around energy issues. In the presence of representatives from more than 190 countries, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev supported the right of nations to use their natural resources, including oil and gas, in the face of international expectations to reduce carbon emissions. According to Aliev, these resources, described as “gifts from God”, remain essential for the economies of many countries, particularly in today's global energy contexts.
The context of the negotiations at COP29
For this COP29, the absence of several leaders of the main world economies, including the United States, marked the discussions. Re-elected US President Donald Trump did not attend, although his envoy, John Podesta, was present to represent US commitments. This has raised concerns about the credibility of US commitments, particularly as Trump previously withdrew the country from the Paris Agreement.
On the other hand, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of increased financial support for developing countries. These nations are demanding a significant increase in annual financial aid, currently estimated at $116 billion per year, but this request is met with some resistance from Western countries, whose public spending is declining.
Azerbaijan's energy ambitions
A country historically linked to the oil industry, Azerbaijan is seeking to diversify its energy production while strengthening its position in the natural gas market. President Aliev recalled that the European Union had requested Azerbaijan to increase its gas exports in the context of the 2022 energy crisis. This request, according to him, demonstrates that the country's fossil resources remain strategic to meet the needs energy markets.
Despite international pressure for a transition to renewable energies, Baku highlights the need for producing countries to ensure their own economic development. According to Aliev, the exploitation of all resources, including wind and solar, should be encouraged without distinction.
A mixed response from the international community
On the international stage, some European countries, including the United Kingdom, have expressed their commitment to pursuing climate goals despite current challenges. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, one of the few G20 leaders present, announced new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stressed the importance of demonstrating climate leadership.
However, the European Union, whose delegation is represented by political figures such as the Hungarian Viktor Orban and the Pole Andrzej Duda, remains divided on the scale of financial commitments to be granted to developing countries. Several major leaders, such as Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, chose not to attend the conference, heightening tensions.
A contested financing proposal
On Tuesday, a first draft of a financial agreement was rejected by the G77+China group, representing more than a hundred developing countries. According to Adonia Ayebare, Ugandan negotiator and chair of the group, the initial offer was insufficient to meet the urgent needs of countries in the South, which are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This reaction reflects growing dissatisfaction with the slow financial progress and commitments of developed countries.
The challenges of climate diplomacy in 2024
As the conference continues, Azerbaijan hopes that COP29 will be an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of an inclusive approach, which recognizes the specific needs of each country in the energy transition. The debates promise to be intense, with developing countries determined not to leave the conference without tangible pledges of support.
With more than 52,000 participants expected in the Baku Olympic stadium, COP29 promises to be a key meeting for climate diplomacy, although the absence of several leaders of the great powers could limit the immediate impact of the negotiations.
