The energy transition is redefining global priorities, involving not only industrialized countries but also economies traditionally dependent on fossil fuels. This is the main message that emerged from the second edition of the research "Climate goals. Winning the challenge of climate goals through the creation of skills and competences worldwide. Addendum 1: focus Azerbaijan – Kazakhstan", sponsored by Fondazione MAIRE - ETS and conducted by IPSOS. The study, presented during COP29 in Baku by Ilaria Catastini, General Director of the Foundation, is the first addendum to the research released last year and focuses on Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, two key realities for understanding how the energy transition can bring awareness and opportunities even in settings with a fossil economy. The survey now covers 12 countries on 4 continents, with a total of more than 2,000 respondents.

Growing global awareness of energy transition

Data from the study confirm a high level of awareness of the importance of energy transition in the countries analyzed.

Among respondents in Azerbaijan, 96% said they were familiar with the concept of energy transition, with 43% reporting being "very familiar with it," surpassing even countries such as China. In Kazakhstan, the level of awareness is slightly lower, but still high (93%), signaling a growing awareness of environmental issues.

The urgency to act, a shared priority

Energy transition is considered a priority by 55% of respondents in Azerbaijan and 39% in Kazakhstan, numbers approaching those in Europe. Even more significantly, 64% of Azerbaijani respondents and 53% of Kazakh respondents consider it crucial to combating climate change, surpassing the percentages recorded in countries such as Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and China. These figures highlight how even economies traditionally dependent on fossil fuels are beginning to perceive the environmental, economic and social benefits of transitioning to a sustainable future.

Training and skills: the keys to change

One of the most interesting aspects of the study concerns the need to invest in training and skills development. More than 80% of respondents in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan stressed the importance of upgrading skills to meet the challenges of the energy transition. In particular, the focus in Azerbaijan is on developing skills related to solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, which are critical to diversifying an economy still heavily dependent on oil and gas. In Kazakhstan, on the other hand, the focus is on environmental impact analysis and critical thinking skills, considered essential by 68% of respondents.

Economic opportunities and social challenges

The upfront costs of energy transition are recognized as a significant challenge, with 57% of respondents in Kazakhstan and 31% in Azerbaijan believing that the short-term costs will outweigh the benefits. However, the perception of long-term value remains high. The transition is seen not only as a response to the climate crisis, but also as an opportunity to diversify economies and create new jobs. Investing in human capital, as the study points out, is a crucial strategy for turning challenges into opportunities.

A model for the future

The Fondazione MAIRE - ETS study is not only an analysis of progress, but a call to intensify efforts to ensure a sustainable future. Even in fossil-based economies such as in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, awareness and education can turn obstacles into competitive advantages.

Through targeted training projects and investment in skills, these regions can strategically position themselves in the emerging sustainable economy landscape while contributing to global climate goals.

The second edition of this research, enhanced by a focus on Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, emphasizes that the energy transition is a global challenge, but its solutions can be applied locally, with benefits for the entire international community.

"The results of this study of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan show that energy transition is possible in all geographies with a stage-by-stage approach, to which all available technological solutions, including decarbonized gas, contribute," says Fabrizio Di Amato, Chairman of the Fondazione MAIRE - ETS and MAIRE Group. "I hope that our Foundation's efforts will accelerate the adoption of public policies to implement the skills training essential to support this paradigm shift."