President Aliyev Calls Oil and Gas a ‘Gift from God’ at COP29
At COP29 in Baku, President Ilham Aliyev defended Azerbaijan’s oil and gas resources as a “gift from God,” dismissing Western criticism of the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. He accused Western media and NGOs of hypocrisy while highlighting Azerbaijan’s exports, which make up 90% of its economy. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for a shift away from fossil fuels to combat climate change.
During the opening of the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev characterized the nation’s oil and gas resources as a “gift from God.” He defended the country’s fossil fuel exports against Western criticisms, claiming that Azerbaijan faces a smear campaign orchestrated by what he termed “fake media” and environmental advocates. Aliyev highlighted that approximately 90% of Azerbaijan’s exports comprise oil and gas, questioning the judgments passed on his country regarding natural resource management. Despite international calls for reduced fossil fuel reliance, he maintained that no nation should be condemned for providing resources essential to the market. In a pointed response to western critics, he indicated that Europe’s increasing demand for Azeri gas contradicted their criticisms. At the same summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged a significant shift from fossil fuels to address climate change, emphasizing the urgency of combating global warming.
Azerbaijan, a nation rich in oil and gas resources, stands on a critical juncture as it hosts the COP29 climate summit. This event underscores the complex relationship between natural resource-rich countries and international expectations regarding climate action. The president’s characterisation of fossil fuels as a divine gift reflects his broader argument against hypocrisy, alleging that critics who purchase these resources do not practice what they preach. The summit aims to facilitate discussions on critical climate issues while highlighting the tension between resource dependence and environmental responsibilities.
President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks at COP29 illustrate the ongoing tensions between fossil fuel-rich nations and their critics, particularly from the West. His defense of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas exports highlights the dichotomy of global energy needs against the backdrop of climate change initiatives. As the summit progresses, the demand for clear transformations in energy policies grows increasingly urgent, with calls for leadership in the global effort to mitigate climate impacts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
