The chief executive of Cop29, Elnur Soltanov, was filmed in an undercover sting operation apparently agreeing to facilitate fossil fuel deals during the climate summit. The campaign group Global Witness posed as a fake oil and gas entity seeking to broker deals in exchange for sponsoring the event.
In the recording, Soltanov, who is also Azerbaijan’s deputy energy minister, discussed creating links between the fake group and the national oil company Socar, and spoke of a future that could involve fossil fuels “perhaps forever.” This revelation has intensified calls from environmental groups to ban fossil fuel companies and their lobbyists from future COP talks.
Global Witness shared the recording, which showed Soltanov offering to arrange meetings with key figures from Socar to discuss potential investments. The fake oil group was also promised help with establishing joint ventures.
Shortly after, they received an email from Socar, which indicated further collaboration. The incident highlights concerns that COP events are being used as platforms for fossil fuel interests to gain privileged access to decision-makers, undermining the summit’s credibility in tackling climate change.
Soltanov also referred to natural gas as a “transitional fuel” that could remain a part of the energy mix “perhaps forever.” This is in direct contradiction to the goals set at COP28, where countries agreed to phase out fossil fuels.
Cop29 CEO Caught in Sting Operation Offering Fossil Fuel Deals, Sparking Outcry from Environmentalists
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized that expanding oil and gas production is incompatible with the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement. The leaked footage thus raises questions about the commitment of COP29 organizers to these climate goals, especially given Soltanov’s apparent disregard for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Further complicating matters, the Cop29 team seemed willing to waive certain climate-related requirements for event sponsors. Normally, sponsors are expected to commit to reducing emissions and developing a credible net-zero transition plan within two years.
However, during the negotiations, these requirements were relaxed, and a new clause was added that allowed the fake group to meet with key energy sector stakeholders without meeting these conditions. This flexibility for fossil fuel interests further undermines the integrity of COP29 and raises concerns about its ability to hold participants accountable for climate commitments.
Global Witness has called for immediate action to clean up COP climate talks, urging the UNFCCC to bar fossil fuel companies from sponsoring the event and to exclude their lobbyists from participating.
This follows a similar controversy at COP28, where leaked documents revealed efforts to promote deals for UAE’s national oil and gas companies. The UNFCCC, however, maintains that it upholds rigorous standards for impartiality and is focused on ensuring COP29 delivers concrete and ambitious climate outcomes despite these ongoing controversies.
