Scientists have declared that the Earth is entering a critical phase of the climate crisis, with major indicators of climate change at alarming levels. As the COP29 summit approaches in Azerbaijan, there are concerns that the host country’s fossil fuel agenda could undermine global climate action efforts. Despite extensive reports and previous summits, progress in combating climate change remains minimal.
An international coalition of scientists has recently issued a grave warning regarding the climate crisis, describing it as entering a critical and unprecedented new phase as the world approaches the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan next month. Their annual report highlights that out of 35 key planetary indicators, 25 have reached alarming record extremes. With the expectation that 2024 may turn out to be one of the hottest years on record, the average surface temperature of the Earth is already at an unprecedented high. William Ripple, a professor at Oregon State University’s College of Forestry, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Ecological overshoot, taking more than the planet can safely give, has pushed the planet into climatic conditions more threatening than anything witnessed even by our prehistoric relatives.” He urged the need for substantial progress during the COP29 discussions. Azerbaijan, the host nation for this critical summit, remains heavily invested in fossil fuel production. The report indicates that despite numerous efforts, including six major Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and 28 Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings, the global community has made only minimal advances toward addressing climate change. This stagnation is largely attributed to significant opposition from those who benefit financially from the fossil fuel industry. Climate Action Tracker has noted that Azerbaijan has not committed to achieving net zero emissions and is instead intensifying its fossil fuel extraction activities. This decision is partly influenced by the increased demand for natural gas in Europe due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Furthermore, an analysis conducted by Global Witness indicates that Azerbaijan’s planned natural gas extraction over the next decade has the potential to produce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the total annual emissions of Russia, highlighting the gravity of the nation’s fossil fuel agenda.
The climate crisis is an increasingly pressing global emergency characterized by rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecological disruptions. Various scientific reports and reports from credible organizations underscore the severity of climate-related changes, urging a collective approach to mitigate these effects. The upcoming COP29 summit in Azerbaijan represents an opportunity for world leaders to address the challenges posed by climate change and to negotiate commitments towards sustainable practices. However, the host nation’s strategy of prioritizing fossil fuel extraction poses significant risks to global climate efforts, given their lack of commitments to reducing emissions and the increasing reliance on fossil fuels to satisfy energy demands in Europe.
The warnings from scientists regarding the current phase of the climate crisis underscore a critical need for urgent and effective action at COP29. With many planetary vital signs reaching unprecedented extremes, the international community must overcome the financial interests that obstruct progress towards sustainable practices. Azerbaijan’s role as the host nation, while simultaneously doubling down on fossil fuel extraction, poses challenges that could hinder meaningful discussions and commitments regarding climate action. Addressing these issues will be imperative for making substantial progress in the fight against climate change.
Original Source: www.semafor.com
