Climate change has had serious consequences in Azerbaijan since the start of the 21st century. The climate of Azerbaijan was 1.3 degrees hotter by 2010.[4] The Caspian Sea is shrinking.[5] Azerbaijan will host the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP29.[6]
Climate Trace estimates 2022 greenhouse gas emissions will reach 91 million tonnes CO2eq, with over 40% of emissions from fossil fuel production.[7] The petroleum industry in Azerbaijan exports fossil gas. Over 90% of exports from Azerbaijan are petroleum-based.[8] Azerbaijan has over 7 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves under the Caspian Sea.[9] Energy consumption is estimated at about 16% of GHG, while transportation is estimated at about 10% of GHG.[7]
The climate of Azerbaijan has increased by 1.3 degrees, while extreme weather events are increasing.[4][10] The water level of the Caspian Sea is falling.[5]Forests in the Caucasus are affected.[11] Ecological problems on the coast are being made worse by climate change.[12]
In the post-Soviet economic period, the Azerbaijani economy has become state-controlled and oil-based. Oil is the main contributor to the Azerbaijan economy; decreases in oil prices negatively affect the entire country. [8] Cotton may be the most affected agriculture in Azerbaijan, which is sensitive to climate change.[13][14] In 2023 the Minister of Agriculture reported that the country is engaging in climate-smart agriculture.[15] Fishing is affected.[16] Stranded assets are a long-term risk.[17] Azerbaijani health may suffer from the extreme heat and a longer malaria season.[18]
As of 2023[update] there is no net zero target.[4] There are intermediate GHG reduction targets.[4] The country's second Nationally Determined Contribution includes a 40% reduction compared to 1990.[19] It may be possible to produce low-carbon hydrogen.[20]
A national adaptation plan is hoped to be published in 2024.[21] COP29 is being hosted in Baku in 2024, probably in November; it will be the third oil-producing country in a row to host the conference.[6][22] Cooperative Mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement may be discussed.[23] Some have criticised that the country was chosen to host COP29 and say that environmental activists are repressed.[24] Media freedom in Azerbaijan is restricted, including around discussions of climate change.[6][25]
There is a Youth Climate Envoys programme.[26]