Cooperation is needed to speed green development and save the planet

Cooperation is needed to speed green development and save the planet

Cooperation is needed to speed green development and save the planet
The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was made on Dec. 11 at the COP28 plenary session hosted by the UAE. (AFP)
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First, we are proud that Azerbaijan has been chosen to host the COP29 UN climate change conference, and we understand the great responsibility that comes with it.

One of the most serious problems affecting the living world is climate change. The causes of climate change include natural factors such as astrophysical, geophysical and physical processes that periodically occur in the sun, changes that occur during the Earth’s movement around the sun, the swaying of the north and south poles, volcanic eruptions, and human impacts on nature.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, 80-85 percent of natural disasters occurring in the world are associated with abnormal hydrometeorological phenomena caused by climate change.

Azerbaijan has joined the fight against global climate change by joining the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was made on Dec. 11 at the COP28 plenary session hosted by the UAE. The adoption of this decision once again shows that the efforts of Azerbaijan in combating climate change, despite being known as an oil and gas country, are highly appreciated.

In short, Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, one of the largest events in the world, is another victory for President Ilham Aliyev. At the same time, it is a strong response to those that have been waging an ugly campaign against Azerbaijan recently.

The time we had to prepare for COP29 is very limited. In previous cases, the host countries started their preparations more than a year before the conference. But in our case, the decision to host the conference was made very late, which left us less than a year to prepare.

Since the decision to host the conference, we have formed our team and started our outreach activities. So far, our appointed COP President Mukhtar Babayev, lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev and other team members have visited many countries and attended a number of international events.

We all know that the climate change that we have witnessed in recent years has a negative impact on every country, including people’s lives

Shahin Abdullayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

It should be noted that, in addition to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Bulgaria also put forward their candidacy to host COP29. As a result of direct negotiations between the administration of the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the office of the prime minister of Armenia, it was announced in a joint statement on Dec. 7 last year that Armenia withdrew its candidacy in favor of Azerbaijan. Later, Bulgaria also took the same step regarding its candidacy.

2024 was declared the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” in Azerbaijan. Our country has developed a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030, and by 40 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. After being liberated from occupation, Karabakh and East Zangazur, as well as the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, were declared green energy zones. The creation of green energy types in these regions and the transfer of green energy to other countries of the world is the priority of Azerbaijan’s targeted energy policy.

We all know that the climate change that we have witnessed in recent years has a negative impact on every country, including people’s lives. In accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, global warming must remain at or below 1.5 degrees Celsius, as it was before industrialization, to mitigate these impacts.

The COP measures are intended to achieve progress in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The target is to bring all parties together under this initiative to take substantial, flexible and sustainable actions to reduce emissions to keep global warming under control; and the increase in temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this target, the Paris Climate Agreement requires countries to submit their national contributions. Within the framework of these contributions, countries prepare plans to reduce carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency, switch to renewable energy sources, and take other relevant measures. Countries must update these plans every five years and take the necessary steps to adapt to climate change.

According to research from the Global Commission on Adaptation, efforts to combat climate change are capable of attracting $7.1 trillion worth of investment. This will not only prevent future costs from rising but will also stimulate innovation and provide many additional social benefits. Therefore, all countries need to take urgent and coordinated action to achieve the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal. This is not only essential to avoid the catastrophic consequences of climate change, but can also bring significant social and economic benefits in the long term.

On Dec. 15, 2023, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on holding COP29 in this country. President Ilham Aliyev said: “Our country has achieved another great success, and the international conference COP29 will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. All countries of the world have accepted this decision, which means great trust and respect for Azerbaijan has been shown once again.”

We deserve it, and as a result of our policy, we have gained very strong positions at the global level. Respect for Azerbaijan in the international world is growing day by day, and we have earned this respect with our actions, work and policies. Our independent policy, principled position, commitment to international law, loyalty and, at the same time, restoration of sovereignty over the country’s territory have increased respect for us. The significance of this event is that the entire international community has expressed its support for Azerbaijan.

This is not the first time. We have successfully chaired the Non-Aligned Movement for four years, and here too our chairmanship was made possible thanks to the support of 120 countries, and our chairmanship was even extended for one year. This was already a great indicator; 120 countries of the world expressed their support for Azerbaijan. This time, all countries of the world showed this support.

We have no doubt that we will hold the international conference COP29 at the highest level, and it will be the next great success for our country and our people. At the same time, Azerbaijan will show itself in this area as an oil and gas country, and everyone in the world will once again see that our agenda is connected with green energy. The creation of green energy types and the transfer of green energy to world markets are currently a priority of our energy policy. This is the reality and the whole world will see it again.

Hosting COP29 can be considered the most important event of 2024 for Azerbaijan and a logical continuation of the country’s strategy for transition to a green economy. In accordance with this mission, 2024 was declared the “Year of Solidarity for the Green World” in Azerbaijan by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the technical potential of renewable energy sources in our country is 135 GW on land and reaches 157 GW at sea. The economic potential of renewable energy sources is 27 GW, including 3GW of wind energy, 23GW of solar energy, and 380 MW of bioenergy.

The potential of mountain rivers is estimated at 520MW. By the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev on Feb. 2, 2021, “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities of Socio-Economic Development,” the strategic foundation for the country’s renewable energy production policy was laid. This foundation sets new plans for the transition to a green economy. The Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan is closely cooperating with ACWA Power from Saudi Arabia and Masdar from the UAE on the implementation of several pioneering projects in renewable energy.

On Jan. 13, 2022, the groundbreaking ceremony of the Khizi-Absheron windpower plant was held at the Golestan Palace with ACWA Power. On March 15, 2022, four memoranda of understanding were signed with Masdar as part of the groundbreaking ceremony of the Qardagh solar power plant in Baku. At the same time, the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan declared the liberated territories of our country as “green energy” zones, and the action plan for 2022-2026 was approved. It is planned to transform these areas into “net-zero emissions” zones by 2050.

COP29 will benefit from the momentum gained by COP28 in Dubai. We will strengthen our collective cause in Baku and, in the process, we will prepare Belem COP30 for success. It is now our duty to help guide the international community toward a climate-focused future that is characterized by justice and sustainability.

One of the most important topics we will address at COP29 is finance. We will strive to mobilize the necessary financing for climate-change mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage reduction. This will require a joint effort by all stakeholders, including countries, international organizations, international financial institutions and the private sector.

Achieving our hopes requires the combined efforts of all members of the international community, in cooperation with the UN. The consensus at COP28 was reached through inclusive dialogue, crucial negotiations and a commitment to pluralism. The key to achieving consensus is only through a climate that allows all voices to be heard and respected, regardless of geographical location, space or economic status.

In conclusion, we would like to mention that the COP is one of the most important events in the world in the fight against climate change. The choice of Azerbaijan to host this event by a unanimous decision of the countries of the Eastern European Group demonstrates the high confidence in our country. Azerbaijan has already gained a sufficiently positive image in hosting international events.

The decision to hold the event in Azerbaijan is also important because it was taken two and a half months after the domestic anti-terrorist measures in Azerbaijan. This shows the support of the international community for the steps taken by Azerbaijan. This event will demonstrate to the world how Azerbaijan sees the green economy as a priority area, in addition to being an oil and gas country. Holding this event in Baku will give a great impetus to increasing Azerbaijan’s reputation and conveying the country’s reality directly and easily to the international community.

Shahin Abdullayev is the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

World’s largest green hydrogen plant on track for 2026 launch in Saudi Arabia, CEO says

World’s largest green hydrogen plant on track for 2026 launch in Saudi Arabia, CEO says
Updated 4 min 56 sec ago
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World’s largest green hydrogen plant on track for 2026 launch in Saudi Arabia, CEO says

World’s largest green hydrogen plant on track for 2026 launch in Saudi Arabia, CEO says

BAKU: The world’s largest green hydrogen plant, which is under construction in Saudi Arabia, is on-track to begin production in December 2026, the company’s CEO told Arab News.

NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is now 60 percent complete, according to CEO Wesam Al-Ghamdi.

Al-Ghamdi emphasized the ambition of the project, which he described as “being built at a scale no one has attempted before.”

The plant will rely entirely on solar and wind energy to power a 2.2 gigawatt electrolyzer, designed to produce hydrogen continuously, he said.

Green hydrogen, created through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is seen as a critical component in reducing global carbon emissions, because it produces no greenhouse gases in the production process.

It has broad potential throughout industry, from heavy-duty transport to steel production, where conventional methods rely heavily on fossil fuels. As countries and companies face increasing pressure to decarbonize, green hydrogen is gaining traction as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, despite the challenges of cost and scale that currently limit widespread adoption.

In discussing NGHC’s competitive edge, Al-Ghamdi pointed to the cost advantages tied to NEOM’s renewable resources.

The plant’s reliance on Saudi Arabia’s abundant solar and wind energy reduces production expenses, which are crucial in making green hydrogen more commercially viable.

“We have the abundance of solar and wind, so we have that renewable power competitive advantage,” he said, explaining that the large-scale setup at NEOM allows for efficient production at a cost level that few projects can match globally.

Coupled with a 30-year offtake agreement in place with Air Products, NGHC has secured a pathway for its hydrogen output to reach international markets in ammonia form, making it easier to transport and distribute. This structure reflects a calculated move to meet projected demand from sectors such as heavy transport and industrial manufacturing.

Located within NEOM, NGHC’s project is strategically positioned in Saudi Arabia’s northwest Red Sea development zone, where consistent solar and wind resources provide a substantial cost advantage for energy production. The plant is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to reduce the Kingdom’s economic reliance on oil by expanding into new industries such as renewable energy, tourism, and technology.

Al-Ghamdi said that staffing the project is key to establishing Saudi expertise in the green energy sector. Currently, more than 60 percent of NGHC’s workforce is composed of Saudi citizens, a mix of experienced industry professionals and recent graduates.

Through partnerships with Saudi universities and special training initiatives, NGHC is working to fill the highly technical roles necessary to operate a facility of this scale.

“Our goal isn’t just to produce hydrogen but to build a foundation of expertise here in Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding that the project seeks to build a lasting skills base in the country.

NGHC has also developed a 10-year research and development partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp to refine and optimize its electrolyzer technology.

The early installation of the project’s first electrolyzer, scheduled to go online ahead of the main facility launch, is expected to provide valuable insights into operational efficiencies.

By testing and optimizing the equipment well in advance of full-scale production, NGHC aims to streamline processes, reduce maintenance costs, and extend equipment life cycles as the plant moves toward its 2026 production target.

While global interest in hydrogen is accelerating, Al-Ghamdi sees NEOM’s project as especially well placed to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s natural advantages.

“We have the scale, location, and the partnerships in place that give us a significant lead,” he said, describing NGHC as a potential model for Saudi Arabia’s broader push into renewable energy and a significant part of Vision 2030’s economic transformation goals.


EU top diplomat wants Israel dialogue suspended over Gaza war

EU top diplomat wants Israel dialogue suspended over Gaza war
Updated 11 min 13 sec ago
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EU top diplomat wants Israel dialogue suspended over Gaza war

EU top diplomat wants Israel dialogue suspended over Gaza war
  • Josep Borrell raised his proposal during a meeting of ambassadors
  • EU countries have struggled for a unified position on the Gaza war

BRUSSELS: The EU’s outgoing foreign policy chief has urged the bloc to suspend a political dialogue with Israel over human rights concerns in Gaza but it is likely to be vetoed, diplomats said Thursday.
Josep Borrell raised his proposal during a meeting of ambassadors on Wednesday, according to four diplomats involved, and is expected to formalize it when European Union foreign ministers gather in Brussels early next week.
The foreign policy chief has written to member states to ask them to suspend the EU’s political dialogue with Israel – part of a wider agreement governing trade ties – “over alleged abuses” in the Gaza conflict, one diplomat said.
“It is forcing people to talk about the issues,” said the diplomat, adding that “the widespread expectation is that it will not be agreed” – considering that EU foreign policy decisions require unanimity among the 27 member states.
Made “without any forewarning,” Borrell’s proposal “came as a complete surprise,” according to a second diplomat who confirmed that it was “immediately objected to by a large group of member states.”
Key powers Germany and Italy were among the countries said to have raised objections, along with the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Greece.
Two other diplomats confirmed Borrell’s proposal – formulated as he prepares to hand over next month to his designated successor Kaja Kallas – without providing details.
EU countries – which include staunch allies of Israel as well as firm supporters of the Palestinians – have struggled for a unified position on the Gaza war.
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, dating from 2000 and governing bilateral relations, contains legally binding provisions on human rights, which Borrell hopes to invoke to suspend the political dialogue.
The EU formally invited Israel in June to discuss ties under the accord in the context of the Gaza conflict, but no meeting has taken place for want of an agreement on an agenda.
Spain and Ireland – which earlier this year recognized a Palestinian state – have called on the EU to review the entire association agreement over Israel’s Gaza offensive.
The war erupted with the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas militants, which resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed 43,665 people in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, which the UN considers reliable.


Explosion in house kills 2 children in former stronghold of Pakistani Taliban

Explosion in house kills 2 children in former stronghold of Pakistani Taliban
Updated 14 min 30 sec ago
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Explosion in house kills 2 children in former stronghold of Pakistani Taliban

Explosion in house kills 2 children in former stronghold of Pakistani Taliban
  • Police investigating what caused the blast including whether someone was handling explosives to make bombs
  • Blast happened in Mir Ali where Pakistani Taliban often target security forces with suicide bombings 

PESHAWAR, Pakistan: A powerful explosion ripped through a house in a former stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban on Thursday, killing at least two children and wounding some others, police said.

Police were still investigating what caused the blast including whether someone was handling explosives to make bombs, local police chief Irfan Khan said.

The blast happened in Mir Ali, a city in the northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan and where Pakistani Taliban and other insurgents often target security forces with suicide bombings and other violence.

Elsewhere in the province Thursday, a suicide bomber riding a motorcycle set off an explosive device prematurely on a deserted road in Charsadda district, killing himself but harming no one else, police said.

Local police official Masood Khan said the intended target was unclear and bomb disposal experts and police were still investigating whether the man was wearing the explosives or they were attached to his motorcycle.

The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, are separate from the Afghan Taliban but have been emboldened by the group’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.


Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of war crimes over Gaza displacements

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of war crimes over Gaza displacements
Updated 21 min 34 sec ago
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Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of war crimes over Gaza displacements

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of war crimes over Gaza displacements
  • The report is the latest in a series from aid groups warning about the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave
  • Israeli authorities have previously rejected such accusations, say their forces operate in compliance with international law

JERUSALEM: Israeli authorities have caused a forced displacement of Palestinian people in Gaza to an extent that constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity, Human Rights Watch said in a report on Thursday.
The report is the latest in a series from aid groups and international bodies warning about the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave.
“Human Rights Watch found that forced displacement has been widespread, and the evidence shows it has been systematic and part of a state policy. Such acts also constitute crimes against humanity,” the report said.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military or foreign ministry but Israeli authorities have previously rejected such accusations, and say their forces operate in compliance with international law.
The law of armed conflict forbids the forcible displacement of civilian populations from occupied territory, unless necessary for the security of civilians or imperative military reasons.
Since then, the Israeli campaign has killed more than 43,500 people, according to Gaza health authorities, and destroyed much of the enclave’s infrastructure, forcing most of the 2.3 million population to move several times.
For the past month, Israeli troops have moved tens of thousands of people from areas in the north of the enclave as they have sought to destroy Hamas forces the military says have been reforming around the towns of Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun.
Human Rights Watch said the displacement of Palestinians “is likely planned to be permanent in the buffer zones and security corridors,” an action it said would amount to “ethnic cleansing.”
The Israeli military has denied seeking to create permanent buffer zones and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday that Palestinians displaced from their homes in northern Gaza would be allowed to return at the end of the war.


‘Media speculation,’ foreign office says on Beijing wanting own security staff in Pakistan

‘Media speculation,’ foreign office says on Beijing wanting own security staff in Pakistan
Updated 23 min 47 sec ago
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‘Media speculation,’ foreign office says on Beijing wanting own security staff in Pakistan

‘Media speculation,’ foreign office says on Beijing wanting own security staff in Pakistan
  • Reuters reported this week Beijing and Islamabad in talks to set up a joint security management system
  • Beijing has been angered by recent attacks on Chinese nationals, has publicly raised security concerns 

ISLAMABAD: The foreign office on Thursday rejected as “media speculation” reports by a foreign news agency that Beijing is pushing Pakistan to allow its own security staff to provide protection to thousands of Chinese citizens working in the South Asian nation.

Reuters, citing five Pakistani security and government sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported this week that a string of recent attacks on Chinese nationals had angered Beijing and pushed Pakistan to begin formal negotiations for a joint security management system. 

Last month’s airport bombing in the southern port city that killed two Chinese engineers returning to work on a project after a holiday in Thailand was the latest attack on Beijing’s interests in Pakistan.

“Let’s not get carried away with speculation,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at a weekly news briefing in Islamabad when questioned about the Reuters report. 

“I would not like to respond to media speculations that are based on unreliable sources and motivated by an agenda to create confusion about the nature of Pakistan-China relationship.”

She added that Pakistan had raised a security force to protect Chinese nationals and projects, particularly those operating under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) umbrella, and “this security apparatus continues to provide security to Chinese CPEC projects inside Pakistan.”

Longtime Pakistan ally China has thousands of nationals working on projects grouped under the CPEC, a $65-billion investment in President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand China’s global reach by road, rail and sea.

The Reuters report said there was now a consensus on setting up a joint security management system, and that Pakistan was amenable to Chinese officials sitting in on security meetings and coordination but there was no agreement as yet on their participating in security arrangements on the ground.

One official said Pakistan had asked China for help in improving its intelligence and surveillance capabilities instead of direct involvement.

“We advise the media to ascertain the motivation of individuals who are feeding them this story,” Baloch said. 

“Pakistan and China have a robust dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues including counterterrorism and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan … We will continue to work with our Chinese brothers for the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.”

Baloch said as close allies, Pakistan and China had the resolve and capability to foil “any attempts to harm Pakistan-China relations, including by spreading stories about the nature of this relationship.”