Climate change is having a severe impact on Azerbaijan's agriculture, water resources, forests, biodiversity, health, tourism, and other sectors, Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-designate and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the international conference titled "Law and Climate" in Baku, Report informs.
Babayev emphasized that the effects of climate change are now visible to everyone, not just experts.
"I would like to particularly highlight the impact on coastal zones," Babayev said. "In recent years, the level of the Caspian Sea has significantly decreased due to both technogenic and anthropogenic factors." As the impacts of climate change intensify, the role of legislation becomes increasingly important, he added.
Babayev stressed that legal systems should not only ensure the reduction of emissions but also protect the rights of communities most affected by climate change. He noted that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement form the basis of international cooperation in the fight against climate change.
Azerbaijan has submitted its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement and is taking serious steps in this direction, Babayev said. "Through this document, targets have been set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our resilience to climate change."