In Azerbaijan, the COP29 climate summit unfolded against a backdrop steeped in the oil industry’s legacy, triggering discussions about the apparent contradictions in hosting climate talks in a petrostate. While international attendees grapple with the realities of fossil fuels, locals embrace their oil heritage and its touted health benefits, epitomized by the unique oil baths found in Naftalan, a city known for its therapeutic crude oil.

Just a short drive from Baku, Naftalan attracts visitors across the former Soviet Union seeking both relaxation and purported healing in its chocolate-colored oil. These baths, offering a curious mix of wellness and tradition, encapsulate how Azerbaijanis view their natural resource—not merely as a fuel source but also a means to wellness.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the finite nature of the oil resources. As of last year, Naftalan's oil deposits, which locals stress do not burn and are specifically used for bathing, were already reported to be halfway depleted. This raises an important discussion about sustainability and the future of such a unique natural legacy amid mounting global pressures to pivot away from fossil fuel reliance.

As participants in the COP29 conference continue to debate strategies for emission reductions and climate resilience, the juxtaposition of holding climate talks in such a location presents a challenge. The pride in Azerbaijan's oil industry can be seen as a celebration of the past, while the dwindling reserves suggest an urgent need for a sustainable future, prompting both national and global conversations about the role and evolution of energy resources in an increasingly eco-conscious world.