Rosalind Evans
In a startling turn of events at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, Sultan Al Jaber, a prominent oil executive and the summit’s leader, stirred controversy with his recent remarks about fossil fuels and climate science. His claim that “there is no science” supporting the necessity of phasing out fossil fuels to maintain global warming within safe limits was met with widespread alarm among scientists and advocates. This statement, which Al Jaber insists was misinterpreted, has heightened tensions and debates over the future role of fossil fuels in combating climate change.
Al Jaber’s comments, first reported by The Guardian and reviewed by CNN, were made during the She Changes Climate panel event. He expressed skepticism about the need to phase out fossil fuels to achieve the 1.5-degree Celsius global warming limit set by the Paris climate agreement. His stance prompted a flurry of responses from climate experts and advocates who underscored the urgency of reducing fossil fuel usage to avert catastrophic climate impacts.
Despite the backlash, Al Jaber, who heads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), held a press conference to reaffirm his commitment to climate science. He emphasized the certainty of a fossil fuel phase-down and phase-out but called for a pragmatic and responsible approach. His dual roles as COP28 leader and oil executive have sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the direction of the climate talks.
Critics, including climate researcher Ploy Achakulwisut and policy lead Romain Ioualalen, have condemned Al Jaber’s remarks as science-denying and alarming. They argue that the latest reports from authoritative bodies like the IPCC and IEA indicate the necessity of phasing out all fossil fuels to meet the 1.5-degree target. Contrary opinions, such as the potential role of carbon capture technologies, have been viewed as distractions from the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
The controversy surrounding Sultan Al Jaber’s statements at COP28 highlights the complex and contentious debate over the role of fossil fuels in combating climate change. As the summit progresses, it serves as a crucial juncture for world leaders and experts to reconcile differing viewpoints and forge a path that aligns with scientific imperatives. The outcome of these discussions will significantly influence global efforts to mitigate the escalating climate crisis.
