Tea Culture and Climate Change Take Center Stage at COP29 in Baku

Tea and Climate at the Heart of COP29 in Baku

So, Baku is buzzing with excitement as the United Nations climate talks, known as COP29, unfold in this vibrant city. While the negotiators are huddled in serious talks, there’s something delightful wafting through the air: the aroma of tea. Yes, tea! It’s not just a drink here; it’s a cultural cornerstone and a symbol of warm hospitality.

Celebrate Tea Culture While Discussing Climate Change

At the venue, visitors have an array of cozy spots to take a break and indulge in some sweet treats, like pakhlava and shekerbura. Women dressed in traditional Azerbaijani attire are pouring warm cups of tea at the country pavilion, warmly welcoming guests to experience a slice of their culture. But beyond the sugar and spices lies a critical issue: climate change is threatening tea cultivation around the world.

Tea and Future Challenges

Researchers have been ringing alarm bells, noting that certain regions may face more than a 50% decline in tea production due to the challenges posed by rising temperatures, drought, heavy rainfall, and soil erosion. Keziban Yazici, a professor focused on the impact of climate change on tea, emphasizes the economic importance of tea for local communities, stating, “We need to take the necessary precautions against climate change to make this product sustainable.”

Yazici’s team is hard at work developing drought-resistant tea varieties in Rize, Turkey, a major tea-producing hub. Her recent trip to Azerbaijan aimed at fostering collaboration between Turkey and Azerbaijan to tackle the looming threats. It’s not just about the drink; it’s about livelihoods and cultural heritage.

Culture Meets Climate Goals

The fight against climate change isn’t just a scientific endeavor but also deeply intertwined with cultural identity. Fatima Fataliyeva, senior sustainability manager at the COP29 venue, shares her heartfelt connection to tea. She learned that drinking tea is a way to show hospitality and build connections, and she plans to pass that on to future generations.

Community Perspectives

Rauf Shikhaliyev, a local who owns a vegetarian restaurant called De Rama, is among those who recognize the connection between food, drink, and climate. He notes that many locals start their meals with tea, suggesting that this shared ritual of tea drinking creates a sense of unity. “Tea drinking makes people kind of united,” he remarks, highlighting its role in everyday life and social interactions in Baku.

Azerbaijan’s Energy Landscape

Yet, the discussion on climate change gets tangled with political realities. Azerbaijan has long been a player in the fossil fuel game, sitting pretty at 25th among top crude oil exporters. The country is eyeing a future boost in fossil fuel production to meet European demands, despite the evident risks posed by this dependence on energy that contributes significantly to climate change.

President Ilham Aliyev has echoed the sentiment that while moving toward clean energy is critical, fossil fuels remain essential for development in the near term. This balancing act presents challenges not only on local but also international fronts as climate advocates call for urgent action.

Takeaway from COP29

As the talks continue, people from all walks of life are underlining that climate change is not an abstract concept but something that affects their daily lives, especially for those involved in food production. The importance of these discussions extends beyond the conference halls — they ripple into the surrounding community where issues like tea cultivation, agriculture, and cultural practices hang delicately in the balance.

Overall, the climate summit in Baku isn’t just about numbers and agreements. It’s a celebration of culture and a wake-up call to preserve what matters, like the cherished beverage of tea that binds people together. Climate actions today will shape tomorrow’s much-loved rituals — and that’s worth every drop.