Reduction of GHG Emissions: A Comparative Success?

This chapter lays out the developments in Azerbaijan in relation to greenhouse gas emissions reduction since the 1990s. Above all this chapter discusses the interlinkages between air pollution and climate change, a connection which is complex. Certain pollutants cause warming, whereas others cause cooling. It also provides a brief glance at the literature on greenhouse gas emissions control in Azerbaijan. Then this chapter looks at the impact of climate change on Azerbaijan. Moreover, it briefly depicts the development of international climate change initiatives and Azerbaijan’s engagement in them. This background helps create a framework that can explain why Azerbaijan, even as an authoritarian country, has taken some measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions while it has neglected other environmental problems such as oil pollution. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s greenhouse gas emissions profile is presented covering the years from 1990 through 2018. Most importantly, measures, in terms of projects and programs, undertaken by the government of Azerbaijan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are explored. Such projects include those which fall under the Clean Development Mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol and other climate change adaptation and mitigation programs including the ones that have been undertaken to meet the country’s Paris Agreement pledges. Furthermore, the development of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan is looked at.