As the COP29 climate summit unfolded in Baku, President Ilham Aliyev used the international stage to defend his country’s oil and gas industry. He referred to fossil fuels as a “gift from God” and dismissed what he termed “Western fake news” regarding Azerbaijan’s emissions.Â
 Fossil Fuels as a “Gift from God”
Aliyev addressed delegates from nearly 200 nations and argued that Azerbaijan, like other resource-abundant countries, should not face condemnation for using its natural resources to drive economic growth.
Aliyev said, “Countries should not be blamed for having them and should not be blamed for bringing these resources to the market because the market needs them.”
He pointed out that Azerbaijan’s share in global emissions is trivial, at just 0.1%, and contended that the country’s economy is diversifying even with its dependency on fossil fuel revenues.
Also read:Â UN Climate Chief Warns of Economic Fallout from Climate Inaction at COP29
Criticism of Western Media and NGOs
Aliyev accused Western media and environmental groups of engaging in “slander and blackmail” against Azerbaijan’s oil and gas sector. His address targeted the United States and Europe, claiming they engage in double standards.
Aliyev argued that wealthy nations, such as the US and the EU, continue to purchase Azeri gas while advocating for stringent climate policies. He referenced Europe’s growing dependence on Azerbaijan’s gas supply as proof of Western reliance on his country’s resources.
Aliyev dismissed the labels applied to Azerbaijan as a “petrostate,” pointing out that many of his critics hail from nations that produce significantly larger amounts of fossil fuels.
Also read: COP29: Coal Transition Commission Unveils Recommendations to Accelerate Coal-to-Clean Shift
The debate remains polarised as COP29 tackles global climate finance targets and the promotion of clean energy. Aliyev strongly defends fossil fuels while asserting Azerbaijan’s commitment to facilitating the green transition.