BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 20. Azerbaijan is fully committed to advancing climate action and achieving our national targets, said the country’s Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Umayra Taghiyeva as she delivered her national statement at COP29 in Baku, Trend reports.
Taghiyeva highlighted Azerbaijan’s national climate goals, which include a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. "The country aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its total electricity capacity to 30% by 2030, aligning with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C".
Azerbaijan has also taken significant steps in its energy sector, with the establishment of green energy zones in Karabakh, Eastern Zangezur, and Nakhchivan. These zones will directly contribute to mitigating emissions in the energy sector. "Green energy zones established in Karabakh, Eastern Zangezur, and Nakhchivan will directly lead to mitigation specifically in the energy sector," Taghiyeva said.
Taghiyeva further outlined the country's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), which will include detailed strategies for emission reductions across key industries. "We are currently revising those targets from our updated NDC 3.0. The new submission will outline detailed strategies for emission reduction across key industries, reinforcing our commitment to a net-zero carbon future".
Azerbaijan’s climate goals are embedded in the country’s broader socio-economic development strategy. "Clean environment and green growth, one of the priorities under Azerbaijan's 2030 national priorities for socio-economic development approved by the President of Azerbaijan," she pointed out, noting that the strategy for socio-economic development for 2022-2026 specifically targets the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Transparency remains a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's climate strategy. The country has already prepared its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), providing clear and reliable data on its progress. "Transparency remains a cornerstone of our climate action strategy," Taghiyeva affirmed. "This report demonstrates Azerbaijan’s commitment to international climate agreements and underscores our dedication to accountability and trust-building".
Recognizing that Azerbaijan is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Taghiyeva stressed the importance of adaptation measures. The country has developed a National Adaptation Plan, which includes strategies for addressing challenges in agriculture, water and coastal zone management, and disaster risk reduction. "Our newly developed national adaptation plan sets out comprehensive strategies to address key challenges, particularly in agriculture, water, and coastal zone management, and of course, disaster risk reduction," she said.
"While Azerbaijan is making significant progress, we recognize that this is a global challenge that requires a global solution," she noted. She also highlighted the need for adequate financial support and technology transfer to accelerate climate action. "We acknowledge the importance of adequate financial support and technology transfer, which are essential to accelerate climate action," she concluded.