President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, the host country for COP29, made headlines at the UN climate conference by describing oil and gas as a “gift of God” and defending his country’s fossil fuel reserves.
In his speech, Aliyev criticized what he referred to as “Western fake news” regarding Azerbaijan’s emissions, asserting that nations with fossil fuel resources should not be blamed for their existence, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqd1rzw9r4o">BBC News</a>.
Azerbaijan, which plans to expand its gas production by up to a third over the next decade, has faced scrutiny in the lead-up to COP29.
Observers worried that Azerbaijani officials may use the conference to promote investment in the national oil and gas sector, particularly given the prominence of the country’s oil industry in its economy.
The conference’s chairman is Azerbaijan’s Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources, who has a background as a former oil executive with 26 years of experience at Socar, Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil and gas company.
On the second day of the conference, Aliyev responded to criticisms, claiming that Azerbaijan had faced “slander and blackmail” from Western media, charities, and politicians ahead of the event.
He argued that Azerbaijan’s share of global gas emissions is minimal, stating that it accounts for “only 0.1%.” Said Aliyev:
<blockquote>
Oil, gas, wind, sun, gold, silver, copper, all… are natural resources and countries should not be blamed for having them, and should not be blamed for bringing these resources to the market, because the market needs them.
</blockquote>
Oil and gas are widely recognized as major contributors to climate change, as they release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide when burned for energy.
Despite this, Aliyev’s comments—calling oil and gas a “gift of God”—are unlikely to derail the behind-the-scenes efforts aimed at securing funding for poorer countries’ climate initiatives.
Developing nations are pushing for the creation of a climate fund, potentially totalling $1 trillion, which would combine both public and private financial resources to support their climate resilience and mitigation efforts.
This has become one of the central issues of COP29, as nations from the Global South demand more substantial financial commitments from wealthier countries.
However, key leaders from some of the world’s largest polluters, including U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were absent from the conference in Baku.
This absence has raised questions about the level of commitment from major polluting countries to tackle climate change on the global stage.
At the conference, Burkina Faso’s environment minister, Roger Baro, stressed the urgent need for increased financial support to help countries in the Sahel and other regions combat the devastating impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks.
The Sahel region, in particular, has been reeling from extreme weather events, including a heatwave that saw temperatures soar to 45°C—an event that scientists have attributed to climate change.
Meanwhile, the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation has warned that 2024 is on track to become the warmest year on record.
COP29 is set to continue until November 22, but with complex and contentious issues on the agenda, reaching a final agreement on climate finance and other critical matters remains uncertain.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The president of Azerbaijan called oil and gas a "gift of God" at a UN climate conference. He defended his country's fossil fuel reserves and criticized what he called 'Western fake news'. Azerbaijan plans to increase gas production. Some worry that officials may use the conference to promote the oil industry. Aliyev said Azerbaijan should not be blamed for having natural resources. Despite oil and gas contributing to climate change, countries are working to secure funding for climate initiatives. Developing nations want a $1 trillion climate fund. Some major polluting countries were absent from the conference. Developing countries need financial support to combat the impacts of climate change. The conference may have difficulty reaching agreements on climate finance and other important topics.

Oil And Gas Are A "Gift Of God", Says UN Climate Summit Host

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has led a delegation of 238 people to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. This was revealed by the organizers of the annual summit.
In addition to the official government delegation, another 44 individuals, listed under a special category called “Overflow,” are attending at their own expense.
By comparison, other countries with larger populations, such as South Africa (60 million), are sending just 51 delegates, while France is sending 63, Mozambique 78, and Botswana 39.
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mnangagwa-takes-bloated-delegation-of-238-people-to-un-climate-summit/">ZimLive</a>, the government is paying each delegate a daily allowance of US$1,000 for five days, totalling approximately US$1.2 million for the delegation’s expenses.
Mnangagwa’s travel arrangements have also raised eyebrows. The President departed Harare on Sunday aboard a private jet, a Boeing 737-700 BBJ, chartered from Royal Jet Services in Dubai for US$12,700 per hour.
The aircraft, which has a configuration of 34 seats—8 VIP, 8 business class, and 18 standard—also includes a bedroom.
The 18-hour round trip between Harare and Baku alone would have cost the taxpayer over US$200,000, with additional costs for empty-leg flights between Dubai and Harare.
The total cost of the five-day trip, including commercial flights for many delegates, is expected to approach US$2 million.
This lavish expenditure comes at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with its worst drought in 40 years, with more than half of the population in need of food aid. 
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa took 238 people to a climate summit. They are being paid $1,000 per day. Other countries with more people are sending fewer delegates. The trip is costing taxpayers around $2 million. Many people in Zimbabwe need food aid, so some people think the money should be used to help them instead.

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