Minister: Azerbaijan strengthens social protection of population in fight against climate change

Climate change has a negative impact not only on the environment but also on fundamental elements of social and economic structures of society, Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection Sahil Babayev told a COP29 event titled "From Theory to Practice for Just Transition for All: High-Level South-South Interregional Policy Dialogue," Report informs.

According to Babayev, climate change, social inequality, and economic issues can only be resolved through collective action and cooperation: "Environmental and social challenges require a collective approach, for which not only the government but all members of society are responsible. Only by adopting this approach can we protect ourselves, our future, and our planet."

Babayev stated that vulnerable population groups are at risk as they are more susceptible to the negative effects of climate change and environmental pollution: "To combat threats posed by environmental problems and potential challenges of green transition in the labor market, the Azerbaijani government is implementing a number of important preventive measures to strengthen social protection of the population."

He also emphasized that through cross-border cooperation, the costs of implementing national climate plans can be reduced by approximately $250 billion annually.