The UN climate summit, COP29, has once again underscored the urgency of global cooperation to mitigate climate change. Yet, even as the wealthiest nations – such as the United States and the United Kingdom – call for an end to new oil and gas exploration, they lead a simultaneous surge in fossil fuel expansion, igniting charges of hypocrisy.

With its economic advantages, the developed world is best positioned to spearhead the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Paradoxically, in 2023, these same countries issued over 800 new licenses for fossil fuel exploration, the largest number on record.

Some experts increasingly label countries like the U.S., the UK, Canada, Norway, and Australia as “other petrostates.” These nations, often portrayed as climate leaders, are responsible for a staggering 67% of all new oil and gas licenses issued globally since 2020. Their actions contrast sharply with their rhetoric, particularly their critiques of nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia, which rely heavily on fossil fuel revenues.

Yet, much of the global demand for oil and gas – projected to rise by 10% between 2021 and 2030 – is driven by economic growth in Asia. Western nations rarely criticize this demand, particularly as it applies to their economies, where fossil fuels remain essential for heating homes and fueling industries. Instead, they deflect attention by lambasting the supplier nations.

With global energy consumption expected to grow by 1.8% in 2024, national leaders must adopt a pragmatic approach that balances the interests of fossil fuel-exporting nations with the urgent need to combat climate change.

At COP29, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev highlighted this tension. He defended his country’s resource exploitation while advocating for a green transition.

“As the president of COP29 of course, we will be a strong advocate for green transition, and we are doing it. But at the same time, we must be realistic,” Aliyev told delegates. He emphasized the global market’s reliance on oil, gas, and minerals resources. “Countries should not be blamed for having them, and should not be blamed for bringing these resources to the market, because the market needs them. The people need them.”

Aliyev referenced Europe’s increased gas purchases from Azerbaijan following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “It was not our idea,” he said, recounting a 2022 meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that resulted in a deal to double Azerbaijani gas exports. “It was a proposal of the European Commission. They needed our gas due to the changed geopolitical situation and asked us to help.”

Meanwhile, Aliyev criticized U.S. media for labeling Azerbaijan a “petrostate” while the United States remains the world’s largest oil and gas producer. According to data from Rystad Energy and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), new licenses issued by the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Norway between 2014 and 2023 are estimated to have contributed five times more greenhouse gas emissions than all other oil- and gas-producing nations combined.

The U.S., in particular, issued a record-breaking 758 new extraction licenses in 2023, nearly as many as in the previous three years combined. These projects are projected to generate 397 million tonnes of emissions. Similarly, the UK’s 72 new licenses in 2023 will produce 101 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution. Norway’s 80 licenses this year could contribute an additional 771 million tonnes – equivalent to adding 183 million gasoline-powered cars to the road. Australia’s 20 licenses in 2024 are forecast to generate 217 million tonnes of emissions, the highest level since 2009.

“The hypocrisy of wealthy nations, historically responsible for the climate crisis, is staggering as they continue to invest heavily in fossil fuels – putting the world on track for unimaginable climate catastrophe while claiming to be climate leaders,” said Harjeet Singh, global engagement director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. “Despite having the economic means to transition away from fossil fuels, these nations are petrostates choosing profit over the planet, undermining global efforts to avert the climate emergency.”

Developing countries were particularly vocal in their disappointment with the $300 billion climate deal finalized at COP29 in Baku. While this figure fell far short of the $1.3 trillion requested, the Azerbaijani leadership’s perseverance ensured an agreement was reached. Failure to secure a deal would have signaled a lack of commitment to addressing the climate crisis and undermined the COP’s credibility as an inclusive platform.

Still, the compromise reached in Baku highlights a glaring disconnect between developed nations’ promises and actions. While proclaiming themselves climate champions, these countries expand fossil fuel production while admonishing the developing world for its coal and oil consumption.

With 2024 poised to become the hottest year on record, the time for genuine leadership from wealthy nations is now. Words must translate into action to confront the stark realities of the climate emergency.