As delegates from around the world gather in Baku for the UN’s Cop29 climate summit, the host nation of Azerbaijan finds itself at a critical juncture. The country’s history, culture, and economy have long been intertwined with its abundant oil reserves, but the urgent need to address the climate crisis is forcing a reevaluation of this identity. Hosting Cop29 has brought Azerbaijan’s complex relationship with petroleum into sharp focus, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Oil’s Deep Roots in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan’s oil industry dates back to the mid-19th century, when the world’s first industrially drilled oil well was opened just a short drive from the Cop29 conference center. This historic site, still dotted with operating oil wells, serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s long-standing dependence on fossil fuels. A Socar employee working at one of these wells described oil as Azerbaijan’s “future” and even its “green future,” highlighting the deeply ingrained belief in petroleum’s continued importance.
The Legacy of Oil Barons
The influence of Azerbaijan’s oil wealth is visible throughout Baku, with the legacies of famous oil barons shaping the city’s landscape. The Villa Petrolea, once home to the Nobel brothers whose petroleum fortune helped establish the Nobel Prize, now serves as a “living” museum where oil companies still hold events. Other landmarks, like the House of Hajinski and the boulevard built by philanthropist Isa Bey Hajinski, stand as testaments to the transformative power of oil money in Azerbaijan’s history.
Embracing Cop29 Amid Oil Dependence
Despite the deeply rooted connection to oil, many Baku residents have welcomed the Cop29 climate summit with open arms. Shopkeepers and young people alike expressed pride in hosting the event, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase Azerbaijan’s potential for a greener future. However, some noted that the message of sustainability and climate action needs to spread beyond the capital to truly make an impact.
“Here in Baku, they are already making progress with bringing in more bikes and electric cars. Other people need to hear the message more.”
– Fakhri Hasanov, 22, Baku resident
The Path to a Green Future
As Azerbaijan navigates the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels, efforts are being made to clean up the oil industry and invest in renewable energy. Socar, the state-owned oil and gas company, has reportedly taken steps to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Meanwhile, the government has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix.
However, the path to a truly green future remains uncertain. Azerbaijan’s economy is still heavily dependent on oil exports, and shifting away from this reliance will require significant investments in alternative industries and infrastructure. The Cop29 summit has brought these challenges into focus, forcing the nation to confront the reality of the climate crisis and its own role in the global energy transition.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As the Cop29 summit unfolds, Azerbaijan finds itself at a critical turning point. The nation’s oil-soaked past and present are colliding with the urgent need for climate action, forcing a reevaluation of its identity and future prospects. While some cling to the belief that oil will continue to drive Azerbaijan’s economy, others are embracing the opportunity to forge a new path forward.
The stakes could not be higher. The climate crisis demands swift and decisive action from all nations, and Azerbaijan’s ability to adapt and evolve will have far-reaching consequences for its people and the planet. As the world watches, Azerbaijan must grapple with the complex legacy of its oil wealth and chart a course toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Hosting Cop29 has brought Azerbaijan’s relationship with oil into sharp relief, exposing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The nation’s response to this pivotal moment will not only shape its own destiny but also serve as an example for other oil-dependent economies seeking to navigate the global energy transition. As Baku’s streets buzz with the energy of the climate summit, the question remains: will Azerbaijan be able to break free from the grip of oil and embrace a greener, more sustainable future?
