European Parliament delegation to COP29 to receive ‘burner’ phones

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🗞️ Driving the news: European Parliament members attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, will use disposable "burner" phones over hacking concerns, as the host country faces criticism for surveillance practices and a reliance on fossil fuel exports
• Green MEP Michael Bloss voiced concerns that Azerbaijan may use the event to boost its international image rather than advance climate action

🔭 The context: Despite hosting COP29, Azerbaijan has ongoing plans to expand oil and gas production, a move seen as contrary to the event’s climate goals
• Delegates have been advised by EU security to take extra cybersecurity precautions, a standard measure when visiting countries with heightened surveillance risks

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The summit’s location highlights tensions between fossil fuel interests and climate ambitions, as some host countries continue to promote fossil fuel growth despite increasing calls to phase it down
• This comes amid a global push for carbon reduction commitments and renewable energy investment

⏭️ What's next: A primary focus at COP29 will be on climate financing, with the EU advocating for broader contributions to help vulnerable nations
• Delegates will also address carbon credit systems, aimed at allowing nations to offset emissions through paid initiatives elsewhere

💬 One quote: “Azerbaijan suppresses critical voices and uses the COP as a platform for image management” – Green MEP Michael Bloss

📈 One stat: Only 5% of the global delegation attending COP29 represents countries from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa

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