Cop28 President Sultan Al Jaber has disputed the scientific basis for advocating a phase-out of fossil fuels, asserting that such a move lacks grounding in science and would regress the world “back into caves.” The president’s comments, made during a heated exchange with Mary Robinson, Chair of the Elders group, and former UN special envoy for climate change, have drawn criticism from scientists who find them “incredibly concerning” and bordering on climate denial. Al Jaber’s dual role as the head of Cop28 and CEO of the UAE’s state oil company, Adnoc, raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
Over 100 countries already support a fossil fuel phase-out, and the decision on this matter at Cop28 is a contentious issue. While UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the need to stop burning all fossil fuels for a 1.5°C limit, Al Jaber challenges this stance, seeking a roadmap for a phase-out that ensures sustainable development. Critics argue that such skepticism hampers global efforts to combat climate change, emphasizing the urgency of rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions.
During the exchange, Robinson pressed Al Jaber on reports of his company’s increased investment in fossil fuels, which he dismissed as biased media coverage. Al Jaber called for solutions rather than finger-pointing, defending the role of fossil fuels in achieving sustainable socioeconomic development.
Prominent climate scientists, including Bill Hare and Prof Sir David King, express deep concern over Al Jaber’s defense of fossil fuels, emphasizing the imperative of reducing carbon emissions and phasing out fossil fuels by 2035 to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Al Jaber’s call for a pragmatic approach to phase-out is met with skepticism, with critics asserting that vague phase-down strategies relying on unproven technologies jeopardize the Paris Agreement targets.
The spokesperson for Cop28 defends Al Jaber’s position, citing the IEA and IPCC scenarios, and highlights the presidency’s efforts in loss and damage funding, private market climate initiatives, and industry commitments to decarbonization.
Despite Al Jaber’s role as the head of Masdar, the UAE’s renewable energy company, leaked documents indicate the UAE’s intent to promote oil and gas deals during climate meetings. The controversy surrounding Al Jaber intensifies with reports of UAE flaring gas and failing to report oil industry emissions.
As Cop28 grapples with the decision to phase out or phase down fossil fuels, calls for a just and equitable transition without loopholes gain momentum. Critics urge Cop28 to deliver a robust agreement, emphasizing the need for a “green Marshall plan” to phase out fossil fuels globally. The editorial questions the logic of governments planning to double fossil fuel production by 2030 while claiming commitment to a 1.5°C temperature rise. It points to Colombia’s commitment to halt the expansion of fossil fuel exploitation despite its economic dependence on them, challenging other nations to follow suit.
