Azerbaijan’s COP29 Distraction: Polluters Leading Climate Funds is Greenwashing

In response to Azerbaijan’s climate fund distraction announcement, Bronwen Tucker, Oil Change International Public Finance lead, said:

“A $1 billion voluntary climate fund that gives polluters decision-making powers is greenwashing. There is momentum to make polluters and the super-rich pay up for the trillions needed for climate action. Inviting fossil fuel interests to play-act as climate champions is a waste of time. Fossil fuel interests have knowingly and systematically blocked, delayed, and undermined necessary climate solutions and shouldn’t have a seat at the table.

“The Azeri government should focus instead on ensuring COP29 delivers what is needed for a fair, full, and fast fossil fuel phase out: a large, accessible, grant-based new climate finance goal (NCQG) and national climate plans (NDCs) that end fossil fuel expansion.

“The Azerbaijan government claims it will lead with a 1.5°C aligned climate plan. However, a true 1.5°C plan cannot include fossil fuel expansion.”