Climate - Tackling climate change in the birthplace of oil : NY Times / Paula Claycomb

Oil derricks in the Baku oil field in Azerbaijan in 1912. ETH-Bibliothek Zürich

Interesting article.
Paula Claycomb

Click here for the original article

Here is a summary of the key points from the article:

The article explores Azerbaijan's long history of oil production and how this creates an interesting dynamic as it hosts critical global climate negotiations that may spell the end of fossil fuel dominance.discusses Azerbaijan hosting the 2029 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) and the historical significance of this, given Azerbaijan's history in the oil industry.

- Azerbaijan has a long history with oil, with accounts dating back to Marco Polo in the 13th century. In the late 19th century, it was the site of key innovations that gave rise to the modern oil industry.

- By 1900, Baku in Azerbaijan was supplying around half the world's oil. The Nobel brothers made huge profits from Azerbaijan's oil industry.

- Today, 90% of Azerbaijan's exports and two-thirds of its income comes from fossil fuels. It plans to increase natural gas output over the next decade.

- Hosting COP29 is seen as part of Azerbaijan's strategy to boost its international image. It became host after Russia blocked other candidates.

- There is a conflict between a major oil/gas producer hosting the climate summit. But it may also highlight Europe's continued dependence on these fuels.

- Given Azerbaijan's pivotal early role in oil, it hosting a climate summit that could bring the petroleum era to an end has an element of "closure."