Azerbaijan’s presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev, in remarks about Armenia’s potential non-participation in COP29, claimed that Armenia’s decision reflects problems with its “green agenda.” However, Azerbaijan’s statements about its commitment to a “green agenda” are blatantly contradicted by its actual policies, rooted in oil and gas exports and military aggression.
As one of the world’s largest oil and gas exporters, Azerbaijan’s energy revenues sustain its state budget, with little effort directed toward diversifying its energy sources or investing in renewable energy. COP29’s core objective is to combat global warming and promote sustainable development. Yet, Azerbaijan’s reliance on fossil fuel exports directly undermines these goals, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.
Additionally, Azerbaijan’s aggressive policies against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Armenia have caused significant environmental damage. The destruction of forests, ecosystems, and local biodiversity during military operations exemplifies how Azerbaijan’s actions contradict its proclaimed environmental commitments. These aggressive policies demonstrate that Baku’s rhetoric about a “green agenda” is merely performative and lacks substantive action.
Azerbaijan’s use of COP29 as a diplomatic platform to pressure Armenia also highlights its exploitation of international forums for political gain. Armenia’s potential decision to skip COP29 could be seen as a protest against Azerbaijan’s destructive military and environmental actions.
Through its fossil-fuel-based economy and aggressive foreign policy, Azerbaijan undermines the fundamental objectives of COP29: the development of renewable energy and global climate stability. Hajiyev’s statements further reveal Azerbaijan’s attempts to manipulate international audiences while masking the destructive nature of its domestic and foreign policies.
