BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Climate change is causing many negative impacts. These impacts cover a wide range of areas, from ecosystems to human health. International cooperation and action at the individual level are important to prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. COP - The Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change aims to guide humanity towards clean, green energy sources without negative environmental impacts, towards a transition to green energy.
Is there a scientific basis for the transition to green energy, and is it technologically possible?
Lecturer at ADA University and green energy expert Orkhan Karimzadeh told Trend that the transition to green energy is scientifically justified and technologically possible.
“Scientifically, this transition is important to combat climate change because burning hydrocarbon fuels increases the release of greenhouse gases such as CO2 into the atmosphere. These gases accelerate global warming, leading to serious environmental problems. “Green” energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass energy produce relatively fewer CO2 emissions, which helps reduce the carbon load in the atmosphere and slow climate change. Moreover, green energy ensures sustainability and reliable energy supply for future generations without depleting natural resources,” he said.
The expert noted that from a technological point of view, the transition is supported by renewable energy technologies, which are used on a large scale and are constantly evolving.
“Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power plants are already widely used and provide electricity efficiently. In addition, energy storage technologies such as batteries solve the problem of intermittent supply from renewable energy sources and ensure a stable energy supply. Power system modernization and the introduction of digital control systems are also important for the effective integration of green energy sources. In general, the transition to green energy is possible and justified both scientifically and technologically, and current scientific research in this field makes this transition even more feasible,” Kerimzadeh said.
What are the countries' obligations under international conventions in this field?
The member of the COP29 Organizing Committee, and Chairperson of the Board of the Social Ecological Center “Ecosphere” Firuza Sultanzade noted that the countries have assumed obligations under international conventions. For example, the main objectives of the Kyoto Protocol are the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, emissions trading, clean development mechanisms, and their joint implementation.
“The Paris Climate Agreement covers limiting global warming, a framework of nationally determined contributions, adaptation, finance, and transparency. As for the general commitments, they are climate change control, international cooperation, and sustainable development,” she said.
Azerbaijan's commitments to combat climate change are as follows:
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030, i.e. reduction compared to 1990 levels. To achieve this goal, Azerbaijan is taking measures such as increasing energy efficiency, expanding the use of renewable energy sources, and restoring forest cover;
- holding the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which provides Azerbaijan with a platform to play a global leadership role in combating climate change and promoting international cooperation;
- Developing green energy priorities: Azerbaijan is working to expand the utilization of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and to improve energy efficiency. This aims both to help combat climate change and to strengthen the country's energy security.
To fulfill these commitments, the Government of Azerbaijan is implementing several measures, including:
- developing a national climate change strategy;
- increasing investment in renewable energy projects: Azerbaijan is making significant investments in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy.
- promoting energy efficiency: the government is taking measures to improve the energy efficiency of industrial and residential buildings.
- restoring forest cover: Azerbaijan is implementing programs to restore and expand forest cover.
Azerbaijan's fulfillment of these commitments is important for the well-being of both the country itself and the entire world. Climate change is a global problem and its solution requires joint efforts of all countries. Azerbaijan supports these global efforts with its contribution,” Sultanzadeh said.
What are the key steps to implement the energy transition?
Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and co-founder of the EnvironmentalProtectionFirst Coalition Amin Mammadov noted that Azerbaijan has a great potential for “green” energy.
“Solar and wind energy are in the first place. A state program on “green energy” has been adopted. The countries of the world want to abandon traditional energy and switch to renewable energy sources. This requires large investments. Azerbaijan has already started working in this direction. Since the technologies are new, they are quite expensive. To bring them to the country and apply them on a mass scale requires significant funding. There is stability in Azerbaijan and investors are very interested in the country. Using new technologies, it is possible to reduce emissions. Orientation of investments to ensure low emissions will strengthen investment processes related to the introduction of new technologies. Azerbaijan plays a bridging and supporting role to expand green energy connectivity in the region. Azerbaijan has developed and is implementing an energy strategy.
The territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation also have great potential for green energy. Work has already begun there. Work on the transition to green energy is underway in every region of the country. In general, Azerbaijan is successfully implementing the process of transition to green energy,” Mammadov said.
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