Cop29 host Azerbaijan to hike gas output by a third over next decade

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Azerbaijan, host of the upcoming UN climate talks (Cop29), plans a significant increase in fossil fuel production 
• The country aims to boost its annual gas output by 12 billion cubic meters over the next decade, a critical period for global climate action

🔭 The context: This expansion relies on Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gasfield, one of the world's largest 
• The expected extraction of 411 billion cubic meters of gas over ten years will result in emissions of 781 million tonnes of CO2

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The move is contradictory to global efforts to reduce fossil fuel reliance, especially as the country presides over crucial climate negotiations 
• Critics highlight the conflict of interest, comparing it to previous controversial appointments in climate leadership roles

⏭️ What's next: Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a key gas supplier to Europe, especially in the wake of reduced Russian gas supplies 
• However, concerns are raised about the country's fossil fuel agenda influencing its role in climate talks.

💬 One quote: "We need climate policymaking to be run by climate leaders, not countries with a vested interest in keeping the world hooked on oil and gas." (Dominic Eagleton of Global Witness critiques)

📈 One stat: Azerbaijan's planned gas production increase over the next decade is projected to emit more than double the UK's annual carbon emissions

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