The article discusses the upcoming United Nations climate summit, COP29, which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the second consecutive year. This choice has raised concerns due to Azerbaijan’s status as a petrostate and its historical ties to the oil industry. The article explores Azerbaijan’s rich history in the oil industry, dating back to ancient times, and its significant contributions to the modern oil sector, including innovations in drilling and transportation. Despite Azerbaijan’s dwindling oil reserves, the fossil fuel industry remains a vital component of its economy, accounting for the majority of its exports and income. The article also highlights the darker side of Azerbaijan’s oil wealth, including corruption, human rights abuses, and censorship under its authoritarian government.

Undeterred by these issues, Azerbaijan has sought to improve its international image through events like the Eurovision song contest and hosting COP29. However, the choice of Azerbaijan as a host country underscores Europe’s continued reliance on oil and gas, even as it seeks to lead on climate policy. The article concludes by discussing concerns about the environmental impact of the space race, particularly the pollution caused by rocket launches into low-Earth orbit.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/climate/tackling-climate-change-in-the-birthplace-of-oil.html