With a population of around 10.13 million (2023), Azerbaijan contributes around 0.1% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2022, total GHG emissions (excluding LULUCF) amounted to 74,705 kt CO₂e, while net emissions (including LULUCF) were 69,499 kt CO₂e. This corresponds to 7.38 t CO₂e per capita without LULUCF and 6.86 t CO₂e per capita with LULUCF.

In 2022, the energy sector accounted for 80.6% of Azerbaijan’s total GHG emissions, followed by agriculture (9.0%), waste (6.6%), and industrial processes and product use (3.8%).

The GHG emissions of Azerbaijan decreased between 1990 and 1995 by 37% to a level of about 52 million. tCO₂eq, which is about the same level as in 2010. Since then, GHG emissions increased by 19% to 61 million. tCO₂eq in 2016, while GDP decreased during the same period by 14%, due to a collapse in oil prices. A decoupling of GHG emissions and GDP has not been observed in the period under review, which can be explained by the fossil-based economy.

Azerbaijan committed in its first NDC (2015) to a 35% greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2030 compared to 1990. In its updated NDC (2023), the country outlines a conditional target to reduce emissions by 40% by 2050 relative to 1990.

Climate Risks

Third National Communication of Azerbaijan to UNFCCC.

• Azerbaijan’s NC3 reports an increase in temperatures across the country of 1.3°C in 2010, relative to the average annual temperatures observed in the period 1961–1990.
• The physical and geographical characteristics of Azerbaijan make it highly sensitive to the adverse effects of climate change. Extreme weather events, such as flooding (1), drought (2), and heat stress (3) are expected to increase in frequency.
• A changing climate will also significantly impact the coastal zone. The most vulnerable sectors are agriculture, human health, water resources, forestry, and tourism.

Fourth National Communication of Azerbaijan to UNFCCC (NC4) 

• According to NC4 temperatures in Azerbaijan are projected to rise at a faster rate than the global average, with potential warming of 4.7°C by the 2090s over the 1986–2005 baseline under the highest emissions pathway (RCP8.5).
• Under the optimistic scenario (RCP4.5), Azerbaijan’s water resources (including transboundary resources) are projected to decrease by 5–10% by 2040 and 10–15% by 2070.
• Under the pessimistic scenario (RCP8.5), water resources are projected to decrease by 10–15% by 2040 and 15–25% by 2070 compared to current values.
• Due to its downstream location in the Kura basin, Azerbaijan is subject to high transboundary climate risks. More than 70% of the country’s water resources originate in neighbouring countries. Therefore, any national adaptation measures must be closely linked to transboundary climate risks.

These priorities were further reinforced by the submission of Azerbaijan’s First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1, 2024) to the UNFCCC, enhancing monitoring and reporting capacities in line with the Paris Agreement.

Azerbaijan’s 2030 National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development state that the ecological environment must be balanced with economic growth, ensuring that natural resources are revitalized and water resources efficiently managed. To meet growing energy needs, the country plans to expand the use of alternative and renewable energy sources. At the same time, environmentally friendly technologies must be promoted, the share of renewable energy in primary consumption increased, and the climate impact of energy generation reduced. Measures to expand the use of environmentally friendly vehicles are also expected to improve air quality.

In October 2024, Azerbaijan approved its National Strategy on Efficient Use of Water Resources (2024–2040), establishing a long-term vision for water security, integrated water resources management, and legal and institutional reforms.

Climate policy development and advancing cooperation with the EU in Azerbaijan

The European Union (EU)’s relations with Azerbaijan are based on the EU–Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, in force since 1999, while negotiations on a new bilateral agreement are ongoing. Azerbaijan is also part of the Eastern Partnership initiative and a member of the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Strategic Partnership in the Energy Field was signed in 2022, enabling enhanced cooperation on energy between the EU and Azerbaijan. The MoU supports doubling the capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor by 2027, reflecting the long-term nature of their energy partnership.

The first-ever investment project backed by the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) grant was signed to upgrade around 80% of the street lighting infrastructure in the city of Ganja, generating significant energy savings.

In 2024, Azerbaijan further strengthened its international climate cooperation by hosting COP29 in Baku, positioning itself as a global platform for climate negotiations.
Since 2021 the following climate-related policy documents have been adopted by the government of Azerbaijan:

• The Law “On the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Electricity Generation”, adopted on 31 May 2021 and approved on 12 July 2021.
• Under the EU4Energy Programme Phase I – adoption of the Law on “Rational Use of Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency”, development of the first National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency of Azerbaijan, and the roadmap for accelerating the adoption of eco-design and labelling requirements for energy-using products.
• The project provided support to the Ministry of Energy on establishing technical norms and standards for energy efficiency in buildings, in line with EU and best international practices, such as:
  • Introduction of an energy efficiency certification system.
  • Assessment of existing building standards in Azerbaijan.
  • Draft Rules for energy efficiency certification of buildings.
  • Approximation of the EU legal framework on eco-design and energy labelling.
  • Capacity building among relevant governmental and non-governmental Stakeholders and awareness-raising and communication programmes on energy efficiency.
• In 2024, adoption of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), providing a comprehensive framework for climate resilience and sectoral adaptation measures.
• Together with the Water Strategy, the NAP strengthens the institutional framework, committing to the establishment of a unified water resource management system by 2027.
• “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” was approved on 2 February 2021, identifies as its fifth priority a clean environment and a country of green growth. Azerbaijan is moving forward on its sustainable energy pathway with strong support from the EU, including through the EU4Energy Initiative, as well as from international financial institutions.

EU4ClimateResilience in Azerbaijan

EU4ClimateResilience supports the development and implementation of climate-related policies in the Eastern Partnership countries. In Azerbaijan, it contributes to strengthening the national climate governance framework by:

• Supporting policy development, legal improvements, and institutional capacity building in line with international commitments.
• Promoting sustainable energy and climate action planning through SECAPs, enabling municipalities to reduce GHG emissions, improve energy efficiency, and introduce renewable energy solutions.
• Advancing adaptation planning by elaborating regional plans that integrate climate resilience into territorial development, with ecosystem-based considerations.
• Strengthening monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) capacities to provide a stronger basis for tracking climate action and ensuring alignment with international practices.
• Delivering capacity-building programmes and international exchanges, with a focus on empowering youth and women in climate solutions.

Through these measures, EU4ClimateResilience fosters long-term resilience by applying EU and international best practices and strengthening the link between national priorities and local action.