The Controversial Role of Fossil Fuels at COP29: A Transition or Lobbying Issue?

COP29 in Baku highlights the massive presence of fossil fuel representatives. Between lobbying and energy necessity, the debate on their role in the climate transition intensifies.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The Conference of the Parties on Climate, or COP29, hosted this year by Azerbaijan, has sparked heated debates over the role of fossil fuel actors. With nearly 1,800 representatives identified among participants, their influence on climate discussions is under scrutiny by NGOs and activists.

At this conference, dozens of energy-related events were held from the first day. Among the speakers were energy ministers from Kazakhstan and the United States, the CEO of TotalEnergies, and carbon market entrepreneurs. All positioned themselves as essential players in the energy transition.

Lobbying Accusations: A Barrier to Climate Progress?

Criticism is mounting against COP29, particularly from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that denounce the growing influence of lobbying. A symbolic installation of a giant snake at the conference entrance underscored this mistrust. Activists like Makoma Lekalakala from EarthLife are calling for an immediate end to what they call “energy colonialism.”

Other influential voices, such as former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, expressed concerns. He pointed out Azerbaijan’s greenhouse gas emissions and criticized the control of negotiations by fossil fuel companies.

A Debate Between Necessity and Transition

Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, acknowledged that the fossil fuel industry is “part of the problem” while emphasizing his company’s continuous efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The company collaborates with Socar, Azerbaijan’s national oil company, to exploit a gas field in the Caspian Sea, illustrating the dual role of oil majors: both accused of slowing down the climate transition and considered indispensable partners.

The conference also featured discussions on climate financing. Negotiators are struggling to agree on the modalities to mobilize $1 trillion annually for developing countries. A draft text is awaited to clarify the divergent positions.

Perspectives for Future COPs

Despite criticism, notable progress has been made in previous editions, such as COP28’s agreement to gradually phase out fossil fuels. However, activists fear that the massive presence of lobbyists will slow this progress.

As ministers join negotiations next week, the challenge remains: reconciling the demands of energy transition with the economic interests of major energy powers. The outcomes of COP29 will determine whether this summit marks a decisive turning point or another step in a process deemed “too slow” by many participants.

Ottawa and London increased bilateral exchanges to structure strategic cooperation on nuclear energy and critical minerals supply chains, as part of Canada’s G7 presidency.
Donald Trump says he secured Narendra Modi’s commitment to end Russian oil imports, adding political pressure to India-Russia trade relations.
Under intense diplomatic pressure from Washington, member states of the International Maritime Organization agreed to postpone by one year the adoption of a carbon pricing mechanism for global maritime transport.
Washington confirms it has mandated the CIA to carry out secret actions against Nicolas Maduro’s government, escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela amid geostrategic and energy stakes.
Two European Parliament committees propose to advance the full halt of Russian hydrocarbon imports to 2026 and 2027, including oil, gas, and LNG, strengthening the European Union’s geopolitical position.
The COP30 conference hosted in the Amazon by Brazil faces low participation from global leaders, amid geopolitical tensions and major logistical challenges.
The United States has granted Trinidad and Tobago a special licence to resume negotiations with Venezuela on the Dragon gas field, partially lifting restrictions imposed on the Venezuelan energy sector.
Ambassadors of European Union member states have approved the transmission of a legislative proposal to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by January 2028 to the Council of Ministers.
The State Duma has approved Russia’s formal withdrawal from a treaty signed with the United States on the elimination of military-grade plutonium, ending over two decades of strategic nuclear cooperation.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said it was not in Poland’s interest to extradite to Germany a Ukrainian citizen suspected of taking part in the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022.
Al-Harfi and SCLCO signed agreements with Syrian authorities to develop solar and wind capacity, amid an ongoing energy rapprochement between Riyadh and Damascus.
Faced with risks to Middle Eastern supply chains, Thai and Japanese refiners are turning to US crude, backed by tariff incentives and strategies aligned with ongoing bilateral trade discussions.
France intercepted a tanker linked to Russian exports, prompting Emmanuel Macron to call for a coordinated European response to hinder vessels bypassing oil sanctions.
The activation of the snapback mechanism reinstates all UN sanctions on Iran, directly affecting the defence, financial and maritime trade sectors.
Commissioner Dan Jørgensen visits Greenland to expand energy ties with the European Union, amid plans to double EU funding for the 2028–2034 period.
European and Iranian foreign ministers meet in New York to try to prevent the reinstatement of UN sanctions linked to Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announces a bilateral agreement with Mexico including targeted investments in energy corridors, logistics infrastructure and cross-border security.
The US president has called for an immediate end to Russian oil imports by NATO countries, denouncing a strategic contradiction as sanctions against Moscow are being considered.
Tehran withdrew a resolution denouncing attacks on its nuclear facilities, citing US pressure on IAEA members who feared suspension of Washington’s voluntary contributions.
Poland’s energy minister calls on European Union member states to collectively commit to halting Russian oil purchases within two years, citing increasing geopolitical risks.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.