Baku Is Set, How Ready Is Africa For COP29?

With representatives from 186 nations set to converge in less than four weeks, Baku stands ready to illuminate the world’s collective efforts to combat global warming and forge a more sustainable future. How prepared is Africa to join this critical dialogue, and what insights lie ahead for our shared planet? Let’s delve into the heart of Baku as it gears up for a landmark conference.

In a period of less than four weeks, representatives from 186 countries that confirmed their participation would be assembling in the splendid city of Baku, the Azerbaijani capital to showcase their efforts to limit global warming and host discussions to prepare for future climate change.

The expected delegates, numbering between twenty to forty thousand, coupled with about the same number of activists and other interested parties are expected to discuss the adaptation and mitigation efforts required to achieve significant positive outcomes in the coming years towards tackling climate change.

Each country has its nationally determined goals and priorities (NDCs), and these are also the points of dissonances.

Azerbaijan, speaking through their minister of environment Mansour Babayev, says they want this year’s summit to give attention to making climate finance more available, accessible and affordable to developing countries so that they can achieve their climate ambitions and implement their their NDCs.

Beyond the hackneyed issues of mitigation and adaptation, the hosts this year have stated the goal of working with others to find ways for an increase in financing climate mitigation by the Least Developed Countries, LDCs

Determined to assist African nations and other developing countries in adequately preparing for crucial discussions and challenges related to climate change, Azerbaijan has taken proactive steps by sending teams to engage with these countries. These teams are focused on understanding the expectations and vulnerabilities that these nations face as they strive for sustainable development.

If these initiatives proceed successfully, Africa would greatly appreciate Azerbaijan’s vision and commitment demonstrated by its long-serving national leader, President Heydar Aliyev, and his administration. Their dedication to climate-positive actions predates the recent surge in global awareness regarding climate change, showcasing Azerbaijan as a forward-thinking nation in this vital field.

The capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku (or Baki, as some historians prefer), stands out as a hub for climate actions and policies. Its historical significance in environmental stewardship highlights why it has been chosen to host the COP29 global conference. A visit to Baku would likely dispel doubts even among the most skeptical critics, as the city has long integrated environmental considerations into its urban planning and public policies.

During my recent stay in Baku, I experienced the city’s efforts firsthand. Upon checking into my hotel, I learned that their fitness center was temporarily unavailable. However, rather than being deterred, I requested information about public parks suitable for running. This request reflects not only personal interests but also underscores the broader narrative of how the city integrates health, wellness, and environmental consciousness.

Baku’s commitment to creating green spaces facilitates physical fitness while contributing to better air quality and overall urban aesthetics. Parks serve as vital communal spaces that encourage healthy lifestyles, which is particularly significant in discussions surrounding climate resilience and urban adaptation.

Ultimately, Azerbaijan’s strides in climate action, rooted in initiatives like those aimed at supporting African nations, position it as an influential player in global environmental discourse. The ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration serves as a model for other nations seeking to navigate the challenges posed by climate change while reinforcing international partnerships.

For readers attending the event from November 11-22, they will notice that the major city streets are adorned with greenery, featuring parks and gardens that promote sustainable lifestyles. This reflects the city’s authentic commitment to environmental design, rather than a superficial change to secure COP hosting rights.

Additionally, the recently recovered areas around Nagorno-Karabakh, previously occupied by Armenia, have been designated as a “Green Energy Zone.” This initiative aims to foster climate-resilient development that enhances the region’s greenery and sustainability.

Azerbaijan’s dedication to the green agenda is also evident in its major sectors: oil and gas, and electric energy. Similar to Nigeria, Azerbaijan is an oil and gas economy. Although not a member of OPEC, Azerbaijan collaborates with the organization, akin to Russia, to influence oil prices and policies under the “OPEC plus” framework.

The country is rightly concerned about the growing Western rhetoric advocating for a swift and total ban on fossil fuels. Prior to the outbreak of the Russian war with Ukraine, developed Western economies were implementing aggressive measures to limit oil production and usage, urging their banks to cease funding oil and gas developments in countries like ours.

Currently, Azerbaijan produces between 700,000 to 800,000 barrels of oil per day. SOCAR, the fully state-owned national oil and gas company based in Baku, is undergoing a strategic transformation from a traditional oil and gas entity to a comprehensive energy provider with medium and long-term decarbonization targets, which they plan to unveil at COP29.

In October 2023, Azerbaijan completed a 230 MW solar plant in Garadagh, near Baku, underscoring their commitment to a green agenda. This initiative was quickly followed by the foundation laying of two additional stations, aiming to increase available capacity to 1 GW (one gigawatt), representing a significant step in their energy transition.

In the medium term, Azerbaijan intends to generate 30 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. While the country’s available electricity supply stands at 5 GW, regular consumption currently hovers around 3.5 GW, peaking at a maximum of 4.5 GW.

Azerbaijani food culture is notably distinct from Nigeria’s, but visiting Nigerians will find plenty to enjoy—especially in the Old City, which boasts UNESCO World Heritage designation.

While the French are known for their bread consumption, Azerbaijanis typically eat about 100 per cent more bread than their French counterparts.

Hausa visitors will appreciate the grilled meats, reminiscent of Nigeria’s suya, along with freshly brewed, strong Chay (tea). Meanwhile, Yoruba guests can indulge in hot, peppered meals. In Baku, requests for spicy dishes result in the level of heat tailored to what you want, unlike other places where you might receive curry powder or Tabasco instead.

Igbo visitors can expect a variety of vegetable soups and fish or cow meat, but if they want to enjoy garri or yam, it’s advisable to bring some from home.

Though about 90 per cent of Azerbaijanis are Muslim, the population does not frequent mosques as often as one might expect. After 70 years of Soviet control, many may not remember how to pray five times a day or even the direction of the Qibla. However, you’ll still notice women in hijabs and designated prayer areas in public places. The city is home to beautiful mosques and a colorful Orthodox cathedral.

Given the free flow of alcohol, you might feel as if you’re in a European capital or major metropolis. Additionally, Azerbaijan has developed a budding wine industry that is gaining international recognition.

In preparation for the upcoming climate conference, Azerbaijan has transformed the Baku Stadium into a multi-venue meeting center. The UN agencies have established 120 meeting pavilions, along with several medical centers and numerous fire trucks on-site. The Green Zone is designed for organized demonstrations and protests—an expected aspect of COP events. However, any actions outside the approved protest guidelines will be met with a firm response, reflecting the country’s strict adherence to law and order. Activists should be mindful of this warning.

The city of Baku has prepared a comprehensive list of 144 hotels classified as third, fourth, and five-star, with booking platforms already available. A user-friendly, 24/7 fast-track visa platform is in place, and transportation will be provided free of charge.

While Baku is often known for its slow traffic, the city is implementing transport management primarily through bus systems. This initiative aims to accommodate the influx of attendees during the conference and reduce carbon emissions.

At the Glasgow COP26 climate change summit in November 2021, negotiators agreed to establish a global carbon credit offset trading market. This allows countries to emit a specified amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases (GHGs) and sell any excess credits authorized by the UN.

Africa accounts for only two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and is increasingly seen as a hub for carbon credits. Many African nations view this as a strategic opportunity to harness their renewable resources for revenue while contributing to global climate objectives.

However, this situation has raised concerns among activists, who fear it may signal a new form of colonialism in Africa. Wealthy countries, including some from the Middle East, are reportedly acquiring large areas of African forests through the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UN-FCCC) to mitigate their emissions by preventing deforestation.

Gabon, renowned for its extensive forests, was the first African country to make carbon credits available for sale, paving the way for others like Kenya, Malawi, Togo, Burundi, and Rwanda to join the market. Companies such as Blue Carbon, founded by Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai’s royal family, have signed MOUs with Liberia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to manage large forest areas and generate carbon credits through conservation.

In Kenya, notable initiatives include the Northern Rangeland Trust Carbon Project, the Kasigu Wildlife Corridor Project, and the Mikono Panuja Project. However, these projects raise concerns, as they can effectively grant wealthy countries and corporations a license to continue polluting.

Last year, Nigeria’s Vice President launched a committee of experts to advise on activating a sustainable carbon market. Based on their recommendations, the government aims to establish an efficient carbon market estimated to generate over $2.5 billion for the country.

Yet, African governments face significant challenges. Growing concerns over potential violations of community land ownership and rights have led international NGOs to urge a halt to practices that echo colonialism through foreign control over local territories.

The dynamics surrounding these carbon trading initiatives at COP29 will notably influence both the African continent and the broader global landscape.

Garba Shehu, a journalist,  PR practitioner, and former senior special assistant ,  media,  to former President Muhammadu Buhari, writes from Abuja.