02.
But there’s stability amid
the chaos

But there’s stability amid the chaos

As rife as uncertainty is, it isn’t the case across the board. The UK’s first Labour government in 14 years – one that has big ambitions for climate change initiatives – will be represented at this year’s event by Ed Milliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The new government has pledged to achieve clean power by 2030, investing in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and marine energy (while maintaining a strategic reserve of gas power stations).

This means all eyes will be on the UK at COP29. The Labour government will be expected to put words into action, playing its part with financial contributions and a new UK Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which will set emissions reductions targets up to 2035.

These targets are worth keeping a close eye on. They could lead to new legislation, guidance or incentives that will dictate the actions we must all take in the coming years.

We would like to invite all the countries, especially the fossil fuel producing countries, to be together in this process. Because we understand our responsibility. We think that we can do more, and together.”

Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology for Azerbaijan and COP29 Chair

The contrast between the position of the UK and uncertainty in the States is a good example of the climate issue in microcosm. Across the global spectrum there are a wide range of attitudes and capabilities when it comes to the fight against global warming.

This year’s host, Azerbaijan, hopes to be a great example of a country in transition. As the first country in the world to dig oil wells, and one where oil and gas make up 90% of its exports, fossil fuels have brought a significant rise in living standards to the country.

This tentative juggling of the economy and the environment is at the crux of the climate issue worldwide, but Azerbaijan now has plans for rapid expansion in wind and solar power – and is encouraging others to do the same.