“Greenwashing”: criticism of the host of the World Climate Conference

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) will be held from November 11 to 22 in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku. A key topic of the negotiations will be the question of how rich industrialized countries, such as those in the European Union, can financially support countries of the Global South through climate protection and climate adaptation measures.

At least US$100 billion should be available annually to combat climate change. And according to experts, more is now needed – instead of billions, we're talking quadrillions.

Some European countries, including Austria, had said in advance that they were willing to do their part, but the aim was to broaden the base of those richer countries having to contribute to climate finance.

But even in initial COP negotiations, the international community has not yet been able to agree on a binding target for climate financing for the post-2025 period. EU countries have also avoided giving specific figures.

The European Union does not agree with the role of nuclear energy

In addition, at this year's COP, each country is being invited to submit improved climate protection targets (NDCs). Within the European Union, the role played by nuclear energy generates a great deal of debate on this point. While countries like France rely on nuclear energy to achieve their climate goals, Austria and Germany want to promote renewable energy sources further.

“We must focus on forms of energy that actually contribute,” Climate Minister Leonor Gevsler (Greens) told ORF on Monday. French Climate Minister Agnes Pannier-Ronacher saw it differently: If you want to achieve climate neutrality, “you have to use all means” – including nuclear energy. The priority must be to phase out coal-fired energy.

A statement after the environment ministers' meeting said that the European Union will work to achieve a 1.5 degree target to limit global warming and that climate financing must include a broader group of stakeholders.

Oil and gas for Azerbaijan “God’s gift”

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, the host country of the COP, is still a long way from phasing out fossil fuels. Autocratic ruler Ilham Aliyev describes oil and gas as a “gift from God.”

The Financial Times (“FT”) wrote on Monday: Although the country praised the progress it has made in expanding renewable energies, it also stated that it would continue to increase its oil and gas production in order to supply the European Union, which is what Azerbaijan has requested. . It is the responsible alternative supplier to Russia.

The COP website states that it is a great honor to be chosen as a host country. He added: “We consider this a sign of the international community's respect for Azerbaijan and what we are doing, especially in the field of green energy.”

Accusation of green washing

The Financial Times said that it is important that countries of the Global South – especially fossil fuel producers – are seen as part of the solution to combat the climate crisis. He is therefore also tasked with leading the climate conference.

But after the UAE hosted the recent COP, Azerbaijan is now also hoping to be able to whitewash its reputation by hosting the event, according to the Financial Times.

In this regard, there is also a fear among participants, politicians and activists that Azerbaijan will drag its feet when it comes to making progress on the roadmap to move away from fossil fuels agreed at COP28.

Questionable human rights record

And: The COP is being held not only for the second time in a petro-state, but also for the third time in a host country with a questionable human rights record. A recent Human Rights Watch report condemned the government's “atrocities against critics and opponents.”

The government's methods include arrests and trials, which are primarily politically motivated. These are “fake accusations and the arbitrary application of highly restrictive laws regulating the work of non-governmental organizations.” This means that there are hardly any independent groups and critical media left in the country. All of these matters have become more serious over the past two years, especially in the run-up to the COP.

“Allowing countries like Azerbaijan to host world events could, in theory, serve as a spotlight on what compels autocrats to behave better.” But Aliyev, the Financial Times wrote, seems unmoved.