Title: Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s new voice for the environment
Introduction (150-200 words):
Azerbaijan recently announced the appointment of Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, as president of COP29 to be held in November. The move marks the second year in a row that a representative from a national oil company has been chosen to chair a climate COP.
A disturbing history (200-250 words):
The previous year, the United Arab Emirates appointed Sultan al-Jaber, president of national oil company Adnoc, to chair COP28. This decision sparked controversy due to possible conflicts of interest linked to the company’s activities and the objectives of the climate conference.
Now, with the appointment of Mukhtar Babayev, this trend continues. Azerbaijan is a country with a long history in the oil sector, with Russian interests, Shell and the Nobel brothers having played a key role there in the early 20th century.
Challenges for the new COP29 President (250-300 words):
The appointment of Mukhtar Babayev raises questions about his ability to effectively lead discussions and take concrete measures to combat climate change. Indeed, he held senior positions within the national oil company Socar, raising concerns about possible conflicts of interest.
However, it is important to keep in mind that COP29 is an opportunity for Azerbaijan to raise awareness and take positive environmental actions. The country has significant natural resources, including oil and gas deposits in the Caspian Sea, but it also faces social and economic challenges linked to dependence on hydrocarbons.
Conclusion (100-150 words):
The appointment of Mukhtar Babayev as president of COP29 raises legitimate questions about his commitment to the fight against climate change. However, it is important to recognize that Azerbaijan also has opportunities to promote positive environmental measures and contribute to global sustainability efforts. It will be essential to closely monitor the actions taken by Babayev throughout his term as COP29 President and see how they translate into concrete results for the environment and climate.