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A top official at COP29, the United Nations climate conference in Azerbaijan, has been filmed engaging in discussions about fossil fuel deals, sparking outrage among environmental advocates. The
A top official at COP29, the United Nations climate conference in Azerbaijan, has been filmed engaging in discussions about fossil fuel deals, sparking outrage among environmental advocates. The revelation raises serious questions about Azerbaijan’s commitment to COP’s mission of addressing climate change.
A secret recording obtained by BBC shows Elnur Soltanov, the COP29 chief and Azerbaijan’s deputy energy minister, discussing potential fossil fuel investments in the country’s state oil and gas company, Socar. Soltanov appeared eager to establish contacts between a fictitious Hong Kong investor and Socar, underscoring Azerbaijan’s interest in new oil and gas ventures despite the event’s climate-focused agenda.
Soltanov described Azerbaijan’s gas fields as ripe for development. He suggested the investor consider various “joint ventures” with Socar. This conversation has ignited controversy, with environmentalists condemning it as a clear betrayal of COP’s mission.
Azerbaijan’s economy relies heavily on oil and gas, which constitute over 90% of its exports. Although Soltanov mentioned COP’s role in addressing the climate crisis, his actions tell a different story. In his meeting with the undercover investigator posing as an investor, he spoke of “investment opportunities” in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas infrastructure. Soltanov even suggested that natural gas could be a “transitional fuel” for the country, adding, “We will have a certain amount of oil and natural gas being produced, perhaps forever.”
Former UN climate leaders have criticized Soltanov’s behavior. Christiana Figueres, who helped establish the 2015 Paris Agreement, expressed her shock, calling the actions “contrary and egregious.” She added that they amount to “treason” against the COP process, which aims to limit global temperature increases.
The BBC has also uncovered email exchanges between COP29 organizers and the fake Hong Kong firm. In these communications, the COP29 team discussed a $600,000 sponsorship deal, offering the investor access to “sustainable oil and gas” discussions during the conference. Emails also revealed adjustments to the contract’s sustainability requirements, suggesting a willingness to relax standards in exchange for financial backing.
Azerbaijan’s COP29 team and Socar did not respond to requests for comment. These revelations follow similar accusations from COP28, where leaked documents showed the UAE allegedly leveraging its position to promote oil and gas deals.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) maintains strict ethical standards for COP officials. The UNFCCC’s code of conduct requires hosts to remain impartial and avoid personal or national bias. Officials should act “without prejudice, favouritism, or self-interest.” UN representatives could not comment directly on the findings but stated that “rigorous standards” apply to all hosts to uphold the integrity of climate talks.
The UN’s guidelines emphasize that COP summits should focus on solutions to reduce fossil fuel dependency and mitigate climate change. Experts argue that promoting fossil fuel investments during these events damages the credibility of the COP process.
Azerbaijan’s reliance on fossil fuels complicates its role as COP29 host. While countries aim to transition to renewable energy, Azerbaijan appears set on expanding its gas production. Despite Azerbaijan’s acknowledgment of climate challenges, its economic dependence on fossil fuels remains strong, making it a contentious host for a climate summit.
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) allows for a limited role for oil and gas until 2050. However, it explicitly warns that developing new oil and gas fields undermines efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
As COP29 prepares to open, these revelations cast a shadow over Azerbaijan’s role and the UN’s commitment to holding hosts accountable. Environmental advocates demand stronger oversight to ensure future hosts align with COP’s goals.
The unfolding situation raises questions: Can COP still serve as a forum for genuine climate action, or has it become a platform for fossil fuel interests? For a conference meant to address climate change, the pursuit of oil and gas deals is a troubling sign that calls the entire process into question.
