BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25. Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) are fostering trust and accountability among nations as they combat global warming, Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Energy Minister, COP29 CEO, told Trend.
The CEO highlighted the foundational philosophy of the Paris Agreement, emphasizing that every country, irrespective of its contribution to global emissions, must actively participate in climate action. This philosophy is encapsulated in the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities," which acknowledges that while all nations share responsibility for addressing climate change, their obligations differ based on their historical emissions and current capacities.
Elnur Soltanov elaborated on the stark disparities in contributions and impacts among nations. "Small island developing countries, for instance, contribute merely 1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they face the existential threat of rising sea levels," he stated. "It's a glaring injustice that those least responsible for climate change are often the most vulnerable to its impacts".
To bridge these gaps, developed countries with more resources are expected to support less capable nations through financial aid, technology transfer, and capacity building. However, this support hinges on transparency. "Countries providing financial support demand clear, transparent reporting on how their funds are being used. Similarly, recipient countries need transparency regarding the financial support they receive," the CEO explained.
This is where BTRs come into play. These reports ensure a transparent exchange of information between donor and recipient countries, detailing the flow of financial resources and the steps taken to mitigate emissions. The transparency framework established by the Paris Agreement aims to provide this clarity, ensuring accountability and fostering trust among nations.
With the deadline for BTR submission approaching at the end of the year, Elnur Soltanov noted that approximately 60 countries are actively preparing their reports. Azerbaijan is among these nations, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and climate action. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by least developed countries and small island developing states, which are encouraged but not required to submit BTRs. "We must support these nations with the necessary financial, technological, and capacity-building resources to enable their participation in the transparency framework," the CEO urged.
