Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, has transformed into a modern city defined by its fossil fuel wealth. Sleek glass towers now overlook the Caspian Sea, a stark contrast to the oil rig-laden outskirts. This transformation highlights the country’s reliance on hydrocarbon exports, which comprise almost 90 percent of its economy, leading to a lavish lifestyle for some while activist voices against this petroleum-based prosperity face suppression.
President Ilham Aliyev staunchly defends Azerbaijan's image as a non-petro-state, claiming that the combustion-rich resources are a divine gift, essential for global needs. His statements at COP29 highlight a disconnect between his government's mining operations and the international community’s pressures regarding climate change. Aliyev's rhetoric echoes a common narrative among resource-rich nations, illustrating that local leaders seek to justify their fossil fuel export, emphasizing perceived dependence on gas and oil.
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