BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 23. The issue of water resources in Azerbaijan and the global loss of biodiversity are among the acute environmental problems that can be discussed during COP29 in Baku, Head of Azerbaijan's EcoSphere Socio-Ecological Center and Member of the COP29 Organizing Committee Firuza Sultan-zade told Trend.
According to her, the main global pressing environmental problems include the reduction of biodiversity, water and food shortages, temperature anomalies and natural disasters, depletion and irrational use of natural resources, soil degradation, environmental pollution, including plastic, deforestation, and insufficient environmental education and awareness.
"Environmental problems in certain regions of the world can worsen during conflicts, leading these territories to ecocide. This makes the connection between conflicts and environmental issues most evident," emphasized Sultan-zade.
According to her, the acute environmental problems in Azerbaijan today, which require decisive joint measures in all spheres of activity, include the issue of water resources, including trans-boundary pollution of water sources, soil pollution and erosion, air pollution by industrial enterprises and vehicles, waste disposal issues, biodiversity conservation, and forest restoration.
"Regarding the issue of deforestation, particularly for agricultural needs, in my opinion, it is necessary to implement sustainable farming methods and new technologies that do not require large areas for crop cultivation. It's also important to engage in reforestation, monitor illegal logging, and prevent forest damage during natural disasters such as fires.
Each individual can also refuse to use paper, avoid products containing palm oil, and switch to products made from sustainably harvested wood. But globally, this problem can only be solved through the joint efforts of all countries, which is why its discussion at COP29 is important," said the EcoSphere's head.
She mentioned that many countries have committed to protecting arable land, restoring depleted lands, and more efficiently managing water supplies.
"Desertification and global warming are closely linked, so addressing this issue also requires efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Small, individual farmers should be encouraged to maintain soil biological productivity through simple local methods.
Crop rotation on the same plot during different growing seasons can also prevent soil depletion. To slow down wind erosion of soil, it is recommended to create windbreaks from trees. Scientific studies have shown that even such local measures can have a significant effect," Sultan-zade stressed.
Addressing the issue of environmental pollution, the expert pointed out the need for widespread waste recycling, particularly of glass, aluminum, and plastic.
In her opinion, this will help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and water bodies.
"So far, Austria and Switzerland are leaders in these issues; they recycle up to 60 percent of their waste, but in Azerbaijan, this issue is gaining momentum on the agenda. Additionally, countries worldwide are legislatively limiting the volumes and types of chemicals allowed in industry and imposing fines for excessive emissions.
Such an approach will be effective in protecting our planet. The discussion platforms at COP29 will allow for professional, expert-level debates on all pressing issues and finding optimal solutions," added the COP29 organizing committee representative.
This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 70–80,000 foreign guests.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP—the Conference of the Parties—is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn.
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