Climate change exacerbates water-related problems worldwide by altering the main parameters of the global hydrological cycle, Mukhtar Babayev, the President of COP29 and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources said at the event, held as a part of COP29, Report informs.
"Water stands at the center of climate change, and its impacts are primarily felt through disruptions in the water cycle," stated Minister Babayev. "In Azerbaijan, these impacts manifest in serious problems such as the decline of the Caspian Sea level and the degradation of biodiversity. This alarming trend is observed not only in our country but also in inland water basins worldwide."
The minister emphasized that water is not only a victim of climate change but also an integral part of its solution. "Water plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty reduction, food security, gender equality, and biodiversity conservation. However, historically, water has been overlooked in global climate discussions. The COP29 Presidency has identified water as one of the key priorities for climate action to increase attention to this issue," he added.
Babayev highlighted the significance of the Baku Water Dialogue initiative launched within the framework of COP29. "This initiative is a new platform for global cooperation on water-related issues. The goal is to bring together solutions to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and desertification. The Baku Water Dialogue will ensure continuity on water issues between COPs and aims to expand water-related activities at international and regional levels," he explained.
Minister Babayev also emphasized that the COP29 Water for Climate Action Declaration will strengthen scientific foundations, create new partnerships, and support global policy measures related to water.
He also mentioned that the COP29 Presidency invited all partners to join the water declaration.
"We must work together to achieve the goals of the Baku Water Dialogue. This initiative will play a crucial role in ensuring the deeper integration of water into global policy in the fight against climate change, providing long-term sustainable solutions," concluded the COP29 President.