Oil-rich nations and developing countries within the G77 are emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach in global climate negotiations, pushing back against efforts by western nations to rush the phase-out of fossil fuels. According to western negotiators, these nations are urging Azerbaijan, the host country of the upcoming UN COP29 summit, to prioritize discussions on transitioning away from fossil fuels. However, the G77 countries, many of which rely heavily on oil and gas exports for economic stability, are advocating for a more equitable solution that acknowledges their unique challenges.
At COP28 in Dubai last December, nearly 200 countries agreed to gradually transition away from fossil fuels by 2050, while tripling renewable energy capacity and improving energy efficiency by 2030. Yet, western negotiators claim that countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Bolivia — who have historically resisted hasty fossil fuel phase-outs — are cautious about measures that could undermine their economies. Azerbaijan, a nation whose economy is deeply tied to oil and gas exports, has also been described as hesitant to lead efforts toward a rapid fossil fuel reduction.
While some western negotiators express concern over what they perceive as “pushback” from these nations, the G77 emphasizes that the process must include adequate financial support and just transition measures for developing countries. A negotiator from a western country commented, “There’s clearly pushback by some countries,” urging Azerbaijan to focus on the COP28 agreements related to mitigation.
Developing nations, particularly large emitters within the G77, have highlighted the ongoing finance negotiations as a critical factor in making real progress on mitigation. With climate finance a central topic for COP29, many developing countries are calling for fairer financial structures to support their energy transitions. African governments, including Nigeria, have called for over £1 trillion annually in climate finance, arguing that their economic reliance on oil and gas, which makes up about 80% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, cannot be ignored in climate discussions.
The G77’s position is that meaningful climate action must address both environmental goals and the economic realities faced by developing nations, ensuring they are not disproportionately burdened by global agreements that could threaten their development.