Analysis of legal challenges in climate regulation of Azerbaijan and proposal for climate law

Climate change presents an urgent and complex challenge that demands proper legal response. In Azerbaijan, the year 2022 was noted to have the highest number of forest fires within the recorded period, while water resources reduced by 26.4% between 1980 and 2023, and the Caspian Sea has experienced notable fluctuations in its level, all of which underscore the intensifying impacts of climate change on the regional environment. The study aimed to analyse existing environmental legislative framework of the Republic of Azerbaijan, revealing significant challenges in climate regulation, including the lack of legally binding climate targets, presence of vague and fragmented provisions, absence of clear institutional framework and enforcement mechanisms. Employing doctrinal and comparative legal analysis methods, the study analysed Azerbaijan’s environmental legislation and relevant international practices to identify the root causes of these challenges. These problems hinder the effectiveness of climate regulation. To address these legal deficiencies, this article proposes a comprehensive draft Law “On Climate Change”. The proposed Law introduces a substantial legal mechanism in climate regulation and includes legally-binding climate targets, climate financing and economic instruments, legal status of climate authority and state control mechanisms for ensuring enforceability. It is inspired by the best practices of leading countries and aims to establish a set legal framework. The study concluded that adoption of such law is essential not only to meet global obligations but also to ensure sustainable and resilient economic development