Panel discussion on climate-resilient infrastructure held at Baku Climate Action Week

A panel discussion titled "High-Level Session on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Transport" was held during the "Baku Climate Action Week, Report informs.

Eugene Seah, Chief Operating Officer at Port of Baku, speaking at the session, said that the decrease in water levels in the Caspian Sea affects cargo transportation because the lower the depth, the less cargo a ship can carry. He also noted that shipping contributes significantly to environmental pollution, so the company is trying to minimize harmful emissions.

Aida Badalova, advisor to Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, stated that sustainable infrastructure in the transport sector is one of the main priorities for the government. According to her, work is also being done for climate change-resilient infrastructure in Azerbaijan's liberated territories.

The ministerial advisor informed the panel session that Azerbaijan has purchased 160 electric buses. These buses will be brought to the country in the coming days.

Heinrich Kerstgens, Corporate Representative and Director of Board Projects of RHENUS SE & CO. KG, said that if no action is taken against climate change, rivers will become unusable for trade: "This problem also exists in the Caspian Sea. Water levels are decreasing, serious measures are needed. Ocean water levels are rising. Floods are frequent in countries. This causes serious damage to infrastructure. Damage to infrastructure creates financial problems."

Adam Elman, a representative of Google, said that they are trying to help reduce emissions through artificial intelligence: "We are trying to help drivers with artificial intelligence. When a driver sets out for a journey, they choose an optimal route using this method. We're doing this for traffic jams too. We are trying to support the reduction of emissions through technologies."

Andriy Maksymovych, representative of the International Finance Corporation, noted that infrastructure projects are complex, so long-term financing helps facilitate investments in sustainable infrastructure.

The panel session concluded after discussions.