Elnur Soltanov, COP29’s chief executive, promotes fossil fuel deals, contradicting the very purpose of the climate change conference. A secret recording reveals Soltanov discussing “investment opportunities” with a potential investor in Azerbaijan’s state oil and gas company, Socar.
Soltanov, also the deputy energy minister of Azerbaijan and a board member of Socar, seems to be using his position to arrange meetings and facilitate deals. This is particularly alarming given Azerbaijan’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas exports. Christiana Figueres oversaw the Paris Agreement and condemned Soltanov’s actions as “contrary and egregious” to the COP process and treason to the agreement.
The UN Climate Body emphasizes that developing new oil and gas fields is incompatible with limited warming to 1.5C. Soltanov’s actions are a serious breach of the standards of conduct expected of a COP official. The UNFCCC code of conduct requires officials to act without bias, prejudice, or self-interest.
Emails obtained by sources reveal discussions of a $600,000 sponsorship deal between the COP29 team and fake investors. The deal included Socar’s introduction and involvement in “sustainable oil and gas investing” events during COP29. This is not the first instance of alleged wrongdoing by the host government. Sources previously exposed similar dealings by the UAE during COP28.
As the COP29 climate conference begins in Baku, the focus should be reducing fossil fuel use, not promoting it. With oil and gas accounting for over 90% of Azerbaijan’s exports, the host country must balance its role with global needs. The Commonwealth Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of having fossil-fuel producers as allies in the fight against climate change.
The fossil fuel controversy unfolds at the COP29, casting a shadow on the conference’s mission to address climate change.
