The appointment of Mukhatar Babayev, a former head of Azerbaijan’s oil company SOCAR, as the COP29 President-Designate, raises several noteworthy considerations.
With over 26 years promoting crude oil exploration and expansion, and four years as Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Republic, overseeing the regulation of the activities in the country relating to ecology, environmental protection and use of natural resources, not much on environment defence is on his list for experience or achievement until this normative appointment – that needs proving.
The consecutive appointments of oil industry leaders, first COP28 and now 29, to preside over UN Climate Summits does call for concern from all who are keen for a rapid reduction of harmful emission and restoration of natural carbon sink via ecological restoration, rather than more exploration, irresponsible emissions and then buying the rights to emit more. Such appointments could create doubts about the commitment of both COP organisers and national leaders to the goals of the Paris Agreement.
With the just concluded COP28 that somewhat seems like a trade fair where carbon is now being traded and emission reduction on the low tone, this move of course raises more worrying concern. It is proper for many to express concern over having a leader from the oil industry presiding over a global climate summit. With the unfortunate turn of global climate discussions and structures, we are right to be sceptical as to whether someone with a background in fossil fuels can genuinely advocate for and drive the necessary changes to combat climate change.
In many cases, this doubt would again be treated as business as usual – let make profit, focus on carbon (not climate) finance, carbon trading and allow emission to be on the all-time discretionary high. It is beginning to seem as if the climate dialogues are reducing to international political energy discussion – saving international tuffs, protecting companies and green washing, rather than saving our planets via cutting emissions and financing clean alternatives, protecting and reviving forest and protecting communities affected by climate change.
However, the fear, the appointment may also be viewed differently by other stakeholders who might see it as an opportunity for industry insiders to play a role in accelerating the transition to renewable energy. We cannot truly know the possible motivations for Azerbaijan’s decision to appoint Mukhatar Babayev as the COP29 president. The possibility can span from the need for a broader Industry representation; Azerbaijan, being a major oil-producing country, may believe that having someone with expertise in the oil sector can represent the nation’s interests effectively during climate negotiations. After all, the climate discussions and nations meeting commitments are all at the discretion of their interest, right?
Without evidence, just mere assumption – If Mr Babayev has experience in leading SOCAR through a transition towards cleaner energy sources, Azerbaijan may see this as an asset in contributing to global efforts to address climate change. This is us being playfully hopeful. Having an individual with industry experience in leadership roles could provide an opportunity for constructive dialogue between the fossil fuel industry and climate advocates, fostering collaboration on sustainable solutions.
Sadly, history has shown us that the big oil money nations and their companies used such climate dialogues to put a price on the environment and life on the planet. This is true when the economics of clean energy is yet to be at par with traditional energy; or the estimated stranded assets at a point in time from fossil investment, is just too huge to count losses – without a mechanism to absorb investment cost, diversify and required domestic needs.
On my personal opinion, which I prefer is perceived as a challenge for us all is this – I think the appointment will challenge the credibility of COP29, as it raises questions about the commitment of an oil industry leader to the urgency of climate action. It is crucial for the COP29 President-Designate to demonstrate transparency, commitment to the Paris Agreement goals, and a willingness to prioritise the global need for transitioning to renewable energy over narrow industry interests.
As a citizen also living in an oil dependent country, the challenge lies in striking a balance between acknowledging the economic realities of oil-dependent nations like Nigeria and Azerbaijan, and pushing for ambitious climate action that aligns with international climate goals. In conclusion, the implications of this development depend on how the COP29 President-Designate navigates his role, addresses potential conflicts of interest, and actively promoting meaningful climate action during his tenure.
It will be important to monitor his actions and decisions to determine the impact on the global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development goals. Nevertheless, the truth is his role will largely be defined by all of us in the industry, advocate and communities.
We must all re-define our climate goals and what the discussions out outcomes will be – we must speak louder and drive local national efforts to not only cut emissions but also protect and restore the environment in accountable and responsible way.
Ikenna-Donald Ofoegbu is of the Heinrich Boll Foundation (HBF)
