Azerbaijan to Ramp Up Fossil Gas Production Ahead of Cop29 Summit

Azerbaijan, set to host the Cop29 global climate summit starting November 11, is planning a significant expansion of its fossil gas production over the next decade, according to a recent report by Urgewald and CEE Bankwatch. The state-owned oil and gas company, Socar, along with its partners, aims to increase the country’s annual gas output from 37 billion cubic meters (bcm) today to 49 bcm by 2033. Additionally, Socar has committed to boosting gas exports to the European Union by 17% by 2026.

Despite mounting concerns over Climate change, Socar diverted 97% of its capital expenditure into oil and gas projects in 2023. While the company launched a “green energy division” shortly after Azerbaijan was chosen as the Cop29 host, investments in renewable energy sources like wind and solar remain minimal. This expansion contradicts the International Energy Agency’s 2021 stance that no new fossil fuel projects should proceed if global CO2 emissions are to reach zero by 2050.

Azerbaijan’s climate action plan was rated “critically insufficient” by Climate Action Tracker in September. The report highlights that the nation is intensifying fossil fuel extraction despite being part of a small group of countries weakening their climate targets. Moreover, Azerbaijan’s economy relies heavily on fossil fuel revenues, which constitute 90% of export income and 60% of state revenues.

Human rights concerns also shadow Azerbaijan’s role as Cop29 host. The country has faced numerous accusations of human rights violations, including torture and suppression of civil liberties. Critics argue that Socar’s deep ties with the political elite could influence climate negotiations, undermining the summit’s effectiveness. Regine Richter from Urgewald questioned whether those with vested interests in fossil fuels should oversee critical climate discussions.

A Cop29 spokesperson defended the expansion, citing European demands for increased gas supplies due to disruptions from Russia. However, environmental groups remain skeptical, emphasizing the urgent need for genuine commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As the world watches Cop29, Azerbaijan’s dual role as a fossil fuel giant and climate summit host raises significant questions about the future of global climate efforts.

Latest Petitions to Sign:

• Petition: Demand All Correctional Facilities Implement a Disaster Response Plan
• Petition: Tell Hawaii to Ban Octopus Farming and the Sale of Commercially Farmed Octopuses
• Petition: Tell the International Whaling Commission to Reconsider Approving Whale Sanctuary
• Petition: Pledge Your Support for Black Cat Adoption
• Petition: Demand Accountability for Man Who Left Dogs in Kennels for More Than Two Weeks
• Petition: Tell Portland Police to Do Everything They Can to Find Dog Who Was Brutally Abused
• Petition: Help Prevent the Implementation of Project 2025
• Petition: Help Save Healthy Racing Dogs from Being “Euthanized”
• Petition: Help Ensure People in Mental Health Crises Receive Help to Prevent Animal Abuse
• Petition: Tell Major Seat Maker to Stop Using Leather for Its Car Seats

Related Content:

• Global Fossil Fuel Prices Expected to Drop as Transition to Clean Energy Accelerates
• Fossil Fuel Funding in Foreign Aid Quadruples in a Year, Report Reveals
• Susana Muhamad Champions Eco-Justice and Takes on Fossil Fuel Giants
• Netherlands’ City Sets Precedent with World’s First Ban on Fossil Fuel Ads
• New Bill Could Charge Fossil Fuel Companies for Their Contributions to Climate Change

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!