BAKU — During the ‘Law and Climate’ international conference, Mukhtar Babayev, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and president of COP29, emphasized the necessity of robust legal mechanisms to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Babayev highlighted the urgent need for international collaboration and effective legal systems to combat climate change and its impacts.

According to Trend News Agency, Babayev noted the significant role of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the forthcoming Conference of Parties (COP) to be held in Azerbaijan. This decision to host the conference reflects the global community’s trust in Azerbaijan’s commitment to environmental issues and international law. “This shows autonomous policy, principled viewpoint, and commitment to international law, which is highly valued worldwide,” he stated.

Babayev detailed the visible impacts of climate change across various sectors including agriculture, water resources, forests, biodiversity, healthcare, and tourism, with a particular emphasis on the adverse effects on coastal zones like the Caspian Sea. He pointed out that the sea level has notably decreased in recent years, underscoring the tangible consequences of environmental neglect.

“The anthropogenic and man-made elements are both linked to the causes of these changes,” Babayev explained, stressing the importance of legal action in safeguarding the rights of those most vulnerable to climate change. He advocated for legal frameworks that not only enforce emission reductions but also promote climate justice and protect the rights of climate change victims.

Highlighting the global nature of climate challenges, Babayev called for a strengthened international legal approach to climate change mitigation. He mentioned the increasing trend of climate change litigation, where courts worldwide are setting legal precedents to address environmental issues.

Azerbaijan has taken proactive steps by submitting its national contributions to the Paris Agreement, outlining specific goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience. “Reforms, laws, and practical initiatives to decarbonize the economy have been enacted in recent years,” Babayev added, indicating Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to meet its international obligations under the Paris Agreement.