Azerbaijan has witnessed a staggering 14-fold increase in the occurrence of hot and dry winds over the past three decades, posing significant threats to the country's agricultural sector, according to Rauf Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, according to Report.
Speaking at the "COP29: Sustainable Urban Development and Environmental Challenges" forum, Hajiyev highlighted the alarming impacts of climate change on Azerbaijan.
"Over the past 23 years, the average temperature in the country has risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius," he stated.
In addition to the surge in destructive winds, Azerbaijan has also experienced a three-fold increase in hailstorms over the past decade. Hajiyev noted that hailstorms, previously confined to mountainous and foothill regions, are now occurring in plain territories as well.
The country's water resources have also taken a hit, with a 15% reduction observed in the last 10 years. The Caspian Sea, in particular, has seen a significant drop in water levels over the past three decades, leading to severe consequences for the coastal ecosystem, biodiversity, and residential areas.
Hajiyev added that work to develop Azerbaijan's new climate strategy continues at the moment.