In November 2024, thousands of government representatives, climate activists, corporate executives, and oil and gas lobbyists will gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
As in 2023 in Dubai, the most critical climate conference of the year will be held in an oil-exporting state amid a massive civil society crackdown. As fossil fuels make up 90% of the country’s exports and Azerbaijan’s investments in oil and natural gas continue to expand, COP29 participants must understand the challenges the Azerbaijani regime poses to climate justice and fair climate negotiations.
During the past year and a half, the government of Azerbaijan has cracked down on civil society activists and journalists, including those examining corruption, fossil fuel dealings, and human rights violations. According to multiple reports from international organizations, there are currently at least 319 political prisoners in Azerbaijan. This number has significantly increased since last December when Azerbaijan’s COP presidency was announced. Such a harsh response to civic engagement threatens one of the pillars of legitimate and fair climate talks—civil society and local participation, including by the regime’s critical voices.
With over 20 years of research and advocacy experience in Azerbaijan, Crude Accountability has collected comprehensive materials specifically focusing on the environmental and human rights impacts of the fossil fuel industry in the country, which can help journalists and scholars understand the context of COP29.
Crude Accountability staff is available for additional questions and comments.
These are some materials to get you started.
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