By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Our conference aims to address the climate crisis and transition away from hydrocarbons in a just and equitable manner, welcoming solutions from all stakeholders, including the oil and gas industry. While we are open to investments in green transitioning projects, we also see opportunities in Azerbaijan’s plans to increase gas production, including new pipeline infrastructure. This includes potential joint ventures and the role of natural gas as a transitional fuel, recognizing that some oil and gas production may continue beyond 2050. However, we emphasize that developing new oil and gas fields is incompatible with limiting warming to 1.5°C, a point that aligns with the global agreement to transition away from fossil fuels.
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The recent revelation that the head of COP29, the global climate conference, was secretly filmed promoting fossil fuel deals is a devastating blow to the fight against climate change. This isn’t the first time that the host country of this crucial event has used its position to advance its own economic interests. Last year, the UAE, a nation built on oil, hosted COP28 and similarly engaged in questionable practices, leading to suspicions of corruption and shady deals. The leaked documents obtained by the BBC revealed plans by the UAE to leverage its hosting role to strike oil and gas deals, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the conference.
The current host, Azerbaijan, is another petrostate with oil and gas as its dominant economic sector, further fueling concerns about the conference’s commitment to tackling climate change. The fact that COP30 will be held in Brazil, a country with significant oil and gas reserves and a history of rainforest destruction, further reinforces the alarming trend of prioritizing economic interests over environmental concerns.
While there are undoubtedly genuine efforts being made by researchers and activists at these conferences, the influence of big oil and gas companies is undeniable. The funding sources for many projects presented at COP29 come from these companies, raising questions about the objectivity and effectiveness of the research. This situation highlights the inherent conflict of interest and the deeply ingrained influence of the fossil fuel industry on the climate agenda.
The disheartening reality is that despite the immense threat posed by climate change, the world’s leaders and decision-makers seem more focused on protecting the status quo and their own economic interests than on implementing meaningful solutions. This reality can be incredibly depressing, leading to feelings of despair and hopelessness.
The situation is exacerbated by the rise of populist and climate-denying leaders, such as Donald Trump, who have weakened global efforts to address climate change. The lack of political will and commitment to climate action at the highest levels is a major obstacle to meaningful progress.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the fight against climate change is not entirely lost. There are individuals, organizations, and communities around the world working tirelessly to promote renewable energy, protect ecosystems, and advocate for climate justice. It’s crucial to remember that the good news often gets overshadowed by the bad news, and it’s essential to seek out positive stories and solutions.
Despite the challenges, we must remain hopeful and continue to fight for a sustainable future. We need to hold our leaders accountable, demand greater transparency and ethical behavior, and support initiatives that promote a just and equitable transition to a clean energy future. The time for complacency is over. The future of our planet depends on our collective action.