After months of deadlock, the designation of the host country for COP29 seems to have been resolved at COP28 in Dubai. Armenia withdrew its candidacy, supporting Azerbaijan’s, despite the historical tensions between the two countries. This choice raises questions, as Azerbaijan is one of the historical cradles of oil.
Political and geopolitical issues
The UN procedure requires agreement among the member countries of the geographical bloc concerned. Russia opposes the choice of EU member Bulgaria for COP29. The EU, currently focused on the success of COP28, has not yet taken a position on Azerbaijan’s candidacy. If designated, the country, whose economy is 90% dependent on oil and gas, would be the second oil-producing country in a row to host the COP. This prospect has prompted irony and concern among the experts and NGOs present in Dubai, who are already critical of this year’s Emirati presidency.
Implications for the Climate Negotiations
The possibility of Azerbaijan hosting COP29 raises questions about the influence of oil interests in climate negotiations. NGOs such as Oil Change International are calling for strict rules to prevent fossil fuel interests from influencing debates.
The post-COP28 route potentially leading to Baku, a historic oil-trading city, symbolizes the ongoing challenge of reconciling economic interests with climate imperatives. This situation highlights the complexity of environmental issues in the face of economic and geopolitical realities.
The possible designation of Azerbaijan for COP29 represents an ironic and potentially problematic moment, highlighting the tensions between economic development and climate emergency.
