Activist Greta Thunberg Boycotts COP29, Calls UN’s Choice of Azerbaijan “Extreme Hypocrisy”

In Tbilisi, Georgia, tensions rise as the country’s opposition prepares for a large rally to challenge the results of the recent election. In the midst of the election dispute, internationally renowned Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined the protests on the streets of Tbilisi, voicing her support for what she described as the “fight for democracy” in Georgia. Her unexpected presence at the protest has drawn both local and international attention, especially as her visit coincides with the lead-up to COP29, a major global climate conference scheduled to take place next week in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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Thunberg’s activism, however, extended beyond democratic values; she used this platform to criticize the choice of Azerbaijan as the host country for COP29. 

In an interview with OC Media, Thunberg explained why she decided to join the protest in Tbilisi rather than attend the climate conference in Baku. She expressed strong objections to Azerbaijan’s role as the host, condemning it as “extreme hypocrisy” by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 

“Azerbaijan is a country deeply reliant on fossil fuels, and the Azerbaijani regime has plans to further expand its fossil fuel production,” Thunberg stated passionately. “It’s shocking that an authoritarian, oil-dependent state like Azerbaijan is being allowed to host a global climate event like COP. This decision not only affects the climate but is also an insult to those suffering from environmental and human rights abuses.”

Thunberg’s words reflect her ongoing commitment to highlighting issues at the intersection of environmental and social justice. She criticized Azerbaijan’s reliance on fossil fuels, emphasizing that the decision to allow Baku to host COP29 disregards the climate crisis and perpetuates harmful environmental policies. Thunberg also raised concerns over the alleged human rights abuses against Armenians and political repression within Azerbaijan, pointing to these factors as further reasons why she could not attend the event.

“I am not going to COP29 in Azerbaijan,” she asserted and continued that this conference will be taking place in a country whose regime oppresses its people, continues ethnic cleansing against Armenians, and disregards the climate crisis by prioritizing fossil fuel expansion.

The activist’s stance has resonated with many around the world who share her concerns about environmental justice and human rights. Her decision to protest in Georgia instead of attending COP29 is a statement not only about climate action but also about the global accountability of authoritarian regimes and fossil fuel-dependent economies. 

In recent years, Thunberg has called upon global leaders to take meaningful action against climate change and to address the disproportionate impacts of environmental issues on marginalized communities. Her message in Tbilisi aligns with her broader campaign to hold governments accountable for their environmental policies and to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard in global forums.

As Thunberg took to the streets of Tbilisi, her message was clear: the fight for democracy and climate justice are interconnected, and supporting both is essential for a fairer and more sustainable future. With COP29 approaching, her words are likely to add pressure on the UNFCCC and its member nations to reconsider the implications of hosting such a significant event in Azerbaijan.