COP28: Fossil Fuel Interests and Controversies Dominate Climate Talks

As countries struggle to set proper targets for fossil fuel phase-out, the presence of fossil fuel interests at the climate talks raises concerns.

COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber, who also heads the United Arab Emirates’ national oil company, has faced criticism for his dual roles. He recently announced that 50 oil companies representing nearly half of global production pledged to reach near-zero methane emissions and end routine flaring by 2030.
A new report has found that global net zero targets are at risk as the majority of countries have not set proper targets to stop using fossil fuels. Only 7% of global GHG emissions are covered by any kind of national commitment to phase-out exploration, production or use of coal, oil or gas.
Former US Vice President Al Gore has said that an agreement by countries to phase out fossil fuels would be “one of the most significant events in the history of humanity”. He criticized the decision to put a fossil fuel company CEO in charge of COP28.
New Zealand was awarded the “fossil of the day” by the Climate Action Network due to the newly-formed government’s decision to overturn the existing ban on new oil and gas exploration.
At least 1,300 employees of organizations representing fossil fuel interests registered to attend this year’s United Nations climate talks in Dubai, more than three times the number found in an Associated Press analysis of last year’s talks.