Icelandic delegation prepares for COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan

The COP29 climate conference will commence tomorrow in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a large delegation from Iceland in attendance, alongside various interest groups. Þorgerður María Þorbjarnardóttir, the chair of Landvernd, expressed hopes that the conference will bring sharper language and clearer guidelines in the fight against climate change.

This marks the second consecutive climate conference held in an oil-rich nation. Approximately 80,000 attendees are expected at the event. Þorgerður emphasized the importance of attending to stay informed about developments on this global platform, especially as it relates to pressing climate issues.

The choice of location has garnered criticism, with reports indicating that the Azerbaijani government aims to attract investments for its vast gas and oil resources during the conference. Azerbaijan’s record on human rights and its treatment of Armenians has also been contentious, raising concerns about the moral implications of hosting the event there. Furthermore, several notable leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, will not be present, along with representatives from China, Japan, and the EU.

Þorgerður has acknowledged the difficult decision to attend given these concerns but hopes the conference will take a stronger stance against fossil fuel usage and emphasize the importance of biodiversity. She is also committed to sharing insights from the event through posts on Samfélagið on Rás 1 throughout the two-week duration of the conference.