Clash of Climate Perspectives at COP29: Green Transition vs. Fossil Fuel Realities

During the COP29 summit, President Ilham Aliyev criticized Western influence on fossil fuels, labeling it hypocritical. While promoting green energy, Azerbaijan defends its oil and gas reliance. Global leaders, divided on strategy, stress the urgency for climate finance and action as climate impacts intensify worldwide.

The United Nations COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan witnessed a fiery address by the host country's leader, President Ilham Aliyev. He condemned Western critics for what he described as a 'campaign of slander' against Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry, emphasizing his nation's intention to balance green energy with its existing fossil fuel resources.

The summit underscored a deep divide between those pushing for a swift transition to renewable energy and nations still reliant on fossil fuels. Notably, U.N. Secretary General slammed reliance on fossil fuels as 'absurd,' putting the spotlight on the critical negotiations underway at the conference. Disagreements reflected the broader tension between wealthy and developing nations over climate responsibility.

World leaders including U.S. climate advisor Ali Zaidi and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the need for ambitious action against climate change. However, significant figures, such as President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, were absent, highlighting the complexities and political challenges in global climate discussions.

(With inputs from agencies.)