Azerbaijani NGOs Address US Congressmen Over COP29 Allegations

In a recent development, 26 Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sent an open letter to 26 US congressmen. This correspondence comes in response to a letter by the congressmen to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Senior Advisor to the President John Podesta, which contained allegations against Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29.

The US congressmen's letter, dated May 13, 2024, made what the Azerbaijani NGOs described as 'unfounded and absurd allegations' about Azerbaijan's role in the upcoming COP29 conference. Despite these claims, the White House and Secretary Blinken have expressed support for Azerbaijan's hosting of the event.

In their open letter, the Azerbaijani NGOs expressed appreciation for the congressmen's interest in environmental issues but urged them to focus on the United States' own environmental challenges. They highlighted the US's historical responsibility for carbon emissions, noting that the country has emitted over 430 billion tons since 1750, the highest in the world.

Why this matters: This matter has broader implications as it involves international relations and environmental issues, which are critical global concerns. The outcome of this exchange could impact the success of the COP29 conference and the global effort to address climate change.

The letter also pointed out that the US ranks first in oil production, with 13 million barrels produced daily, and spends less on climate change measures per capita than the European Union and other developed countries. The NGOs emphasized that coal is still used as a fuel source in the US, further contributing to environmental pollution.

In contrast, the NGOs highlighted Azerbaijan's progress in reducing its carbon footprint. The country has significantly reduced its use of fuel oil, now relying primarily on natural gas, which is a cleaner energy source. Azerbaijan has also made strides in fulfilling its international environmental obligations.

The NGOs suggested that the US congressmen should focus on concrete proposals and program projects to mitigate the environmental impacts within the US rather than making baseless allegations about Azerbaijan. They also recommended that the congressmen question their own government's climate change policies and commitments.

The letter concluded with a pointed remark directed at the Financial Times, which the NGOs accused of anti-Azerbaijani bias. They suggested that the publication could benefit from focusing on factual reporting rather than fiction.

The open letter from the Azerbaijani NGOs highlights their commitment to environmental issues while calling for a more balanced and fact-based approach from US lawmakers and media. The NGOs' message highlights the need for international cooperation and accountability in addressing climate change.

Key Takeaways

• 26 Azerbaijani NGOs respond to US congressmen's letter with "unfounded" allegations about COP29.
• Azerbaijani NGOs highlight US's historical carbon emissions and current environmental challenges.
• Azerbaijan has reduced its carbon footprint, relying on natural gas and fulfilling international obligations.
• NGOs suggest US congressmen focus on domestic environmental issues rather than making baseless allegations.
• The exchange has broader implications for international relations and global climate change efforts.