The ongoing UN climate talks at COP28 in Dubai faced a bit of controversy as the president, Sultan al-Jaber, responded to accusations of denying a crucial aspect of climate science.
Earlier, he had expressed skepticism about the scientific basis behind the call to end fossil fuel usage to limit temperature rise to 1.5C.
Al-Jaber clarified his stance on Monday, asserting, “We very much believe and respect the science.”
COP28 aims to advance efforts in combating climate change, building on the commitment made by all nations in 2015 to reduce emissions and limit global temperature rise to 1.5C.
In an online event with Mary Robinson on November 21, Al-Jaber seemed to challenge the connection between fossil fuel phase-out and achieving the 1.5C target, stating, “There is no science out there…that says the phase-out of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5C.”
On the fifth day of the UN talks, Al-Jaber addressed the confusion surrounding his statements, expressing surprise at attempts to undermine COP28’s work.
Despite occasional irritation, he emphasized his deep respect for science, highlighting his background as an engineer and economist.
Al-Jaber firmly stated, “I have said over and over that the phase down and the phase-out of fossil fuel is inevitable,” emphasizing his commitment to reducing oil, coal, and gas usage.
He was accompanied by Professor Jim Skea, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), who vouched for Al-Jaber’s attention to scientific consensus.
Skea reinforced the IPCC’s position, asserting, “Looking at scenarios in which global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees…fossil fuel use is greatly reduced, and unabated coal use is completely phased out.”
To achieve this, he outlined the necessity of a 60% reduction in oil use and a 45% reduction in gas use by 2050.
The central debate at the UN talks revolves around how and when countries should reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Nations heavily dependent on these resources are hesitant to commit to a complete phase-out, proposing alternative technologies to capture carbon dioxide.
Meanwhile, countries directly impacted by climate change advocate for more robust commitments to ending fossil fuel usage.
Criticism has been directed at the UAE’s presidency of COP28, given its status as a major oil and gas producer.
Al-Jaber, who also heads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, responded to concerns about his temperament during the November event, stating, “I had a conversation with someone I have a great deal of respect for.”
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