BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The 2nd day of the international conference for Climate Action Week concluded in Azerbaijan's Baku, Trend reports.
Addressing the event participants, COP29 President Designate, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev pointed out that the effects of climate change on agriculture are already apparent. "Agriculture makes up a significant portion of Azerbaijan's economy. The low levels of rainfall in recent years have led to a 10 percent reduction in food production. The water level in the Caspian Sea has also dropped, which is seriously affecting the coastal zone. Failure to take action will exacerbate these consequences. Global warming may have already resulted in the displacement of two million individuals. Further research and innovative systems are required".
United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Nigar Arpadarai revealed that Azerbaijan will introduce a new initiative for farmers at COP29. "At the COP29 Conference, we will present the Baku Climate Initiative Harmonia for farmers. This initiative will bring together various projects aimed at supporting farmers, rural villages, and communities in the face of climate change. It will also enable the development of recommendations for these communities on obtaining funding and other forms of assistance".
Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov added that boosting agricultural resilience to climate change is one of the main goals of this new initiative for farmers.
"Resilient agricultural development will play a vital role in local and global combating climate change as part of the Baku Climate Initiative for Farmers, Harmonia," the minister explained.
Meanwhile, the main themes of the first day focused on energy transition and construction, while the second day addressed issues related to water supply, food security, and agriculture.
The week-long event runs from September 30 to October 4, 2024, marking its inaugural occurrence in Baku.
Notably, it will lay the groundwork for the climate agenda ahead of COP29 in November.
"Climate Action Week" will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including politics, finance, trade, investment, science, art, culture, civil society, and media.
The first half of the week (September 30 - October 2) will concentrate on climate solutions involving government institutions, academia, and the private sector, while the latter half (October 3-4) will emphasize science, education, art, culture, and other areas.
Numerous activities will be organized across the city during this climate week.
