At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, Iranian Vice President Shina Ansari utilized the international platform to push for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran, which she described as a nation affected by external political pressures. In her remarks, she emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts within the international community to foster knowledge exchange, technological advancement, and unencumbered access to financial resources for countries like Iran. Ansari articulated the Iranian perspective that unilateral sanctions hinder the country’s ability to develop sustainably and address pressing environmental issues, arguing that the climate crisis largely stems from the industrial practices of a limited number of developed nations.
Ansari reiterated Iran’s stance that developing countries should not be penalized in their quest for progress due to the actions of wealthier nations. She called for a unified global approach that transcends political agendas to achieve effective climate action, insisting that the conference should demonstrate its commitment to fairness and equity. There’s skepticism among developing nations regarding the presence of double standards in climate negotiations, and Ansari echoed this sentiment by urging all countries to adhere to their commitments for a healthier, more sustainable future without bias or discrimination.
Shina Ansari, who also leads Iran’s Department of Environment (DOE), was appointed to her vice presidency role on August 22, 2024, by the newly elected president Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian’s election was viewed as a potential shift toward more moderate and reform-minded governance following the tenure of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi. The DOE has faced challenges historically, originating as a hunting club before expanding its mandate to tackle critical environmental issues, including the substantial challenges posed by water shortages and droughts in Iran. However, the agency’s capacity to collaborate with Western scientific institutions has often been stymied due to the geopolitical climate following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In recent years, Iran’s DOE has sought to position itself within the global climate change discourse, a difficult challenge for a nation primarily reliant on fossil fuels while constrained by a governing theocracy hostile to environmental activism. As the Iranian leadership contemplates increasing oil output despite global calls for reduced fossil fuel dependence, the agency’s strategic posture has become increasingly complex. Ansari pointed out that the financial restrictions imposed by Western nations, especially under the guise of sanctions, limit Iran’s ability to leverage its substantial oil resources, further complicating its engagement in climate dialogues.
Ansari’s remarks during the summit reflect a common viewpoint among many developing countries that place the blame for climate change at the feet of historically industrialized nations. She contended that the burden of addressing climate change should not disproportionately fall on developing nations, even as countries like China and members of the BRICS bloc contribute significantly to global emissions. This narrative fosters criticism from those desiring a more balanced discussion of responsibility and accountability in global climate efforts, with activists arguing for a more scientifically grounded discourse regarding environmental policy and action.
At COP29, discussions around climate justice and hypocrisy surfaced prominently, highlighting contrasting attitudes toward fossil fuel usage among participating nations. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stirred controversy by defending his country’s oil industry and referred to fossil fuel resources as a “gift from God,” a statement that underscores the complexities of balancing national energy interests with global climate commitments. While Azerbaijan’s oil production remains lower than Iran’s, competition for energy resources remains a contentious issue, further fueling debates on equitable resource distribution and the path forward for countries reliant on fossil fuel extraction amidst global climate change initiatives.