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Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a speech at the Climate Action Summit, part of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku. Renowned Kazakh political scientist Eduard Poletaev explained why participating in such international forums is of strategic importance for the country.
Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a speech at the Climate Action Summit, part of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku. Renowned Kazakh political scientist Eduard Poletaev explained why participating in such international forums is of strategic importance for the country.
Catastrophic Climate Changes
COP summits are annual climate conferences where countries discuss measures to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. Poletaev emphasized that Azerbaijan invested significant organizational resources in hosting COP29 in Baku. The event's scale is highlighted by its venue - an Olympic stadium.
"Not all world leaders attended this summit. For example, representatives from G20 countries like Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping were absent. Nevertheless, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated in his opening speech that COP29 in Baku registered 72,000 participants from 196 countries, including 80 presidents, vice presidents, and prime ministers. Politics played a role, as Aliyev hinted at certain circles boycotting the event, though he did not specify," Poletaev noted.
The climate crisis poses a global threat. If global temperature rise isn’t curbed, it could lead to catastrophic outcomes: air temperatures could increase by up to 5°C by 2100, resulting in more wildfires, droughts, rising sea levels, food insecurity, and water resource conflicts.
"Such conflicts have already occurred in Central Asia in recent years," Poletaev added.
"In 2023, humanity experienced its hottest year on record, breaking numerous grim milestones. Projections suggest that even a 1.5°C increase leads to severe consequences. According to preliminary UN data, a 5°C rise could endanger nearly a billion lives and cause partial extinction of some plant and animal species," Poletaev explained.
Why It Matters for Kazakhstan
Poletaev highlighted Kazakhstan’s critical role in global ecological processes, given its vast territory and significant natural resource reserves.
"President Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan produces over 40% of the world’s uranium. With its vast land resources, Kazakhstan could become a crucial supplier for much of Eurasia as global temperatures rise," Poletaev said.
He stressed the significance of Tokayev's speech.
"Tokayev is a seasoned diplomat and former senior UN official. His expertise aligns with global discussions on climate change. His meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Baku underscores Kazakhstan’s key role in addressing these issues," he says.
Kazakhstan is also a key player in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), while Azerbaijan will chair the organization from 2024 to 2026. This provides an excellent platform for advancing Kazakhstan’s climate initiatives, Poletaev noted.
During the summit, Tokayev held bilateral meetings with leaders, including Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to discuss trade and economic cooperation.
"This showcases Kazakhstan’s growing influence as a self-reliant middle power, reinforcing national security, economic opportunities, and investment goals," Poletaev added.
Tokayev’s speech highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to international climate obligations.
"Not all countries participate in global climate efforts. For example, only 55 nations have joined initiatives to increase renewable energy capacity, even though the UN has 193 members. This figure must grow because climate change is a pressing issue," Poletaev emphasized.
Tokayev also highlighted the importance of climate financing for vulnerable regions, including landlocked developing countries. According to Poletaev, creating a Climate Finance Action Fund is essential. Though the $100 billion target has been discussed since 2009, far more funds are required.
Kazakhstan’s initiatives strengthen its international reputation as a country addressing regional and global issues.
"Global solidarity is vital. Kazakhstan exemplifies the ‘voice of reason’ in global politics," Poletaev concluded.
