OPEC leaders advocate for fossil fuels despite climate emergency
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- Web Desk
- Oct 09, 2023
RIYADH: Prominent Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) leaders emphasised on Sunday that the fossil fuel industry should not be marginalised in the ongoing climate discourse, asserting that it has a pivotal role in facilitating a smooth energy transition.
The energy ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq – three of the largest OPEC members, convened in the Saudi capital of Riyadh for the UN Middle East and North Africa (MENA) climate week.
“We, as major hydrocarbon producers, bear the responsibility of ensuring that the transition towards sustainable energy sources is supported with an adequate supply of hydrocarbon resources at a responsible cost,” said UAE’s Minsiter for Energy Suhail al-Mazrouei, during a panel discussion.
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The UAE is slated to host the COP28 climate summit, scheduled from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai.
Current reports indicate that nations are falling behind in meeting the United Nations’ target of limiting the global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5 degrees Celsius lagging.
“COP28 will bring about transformative changes for this region and the world,” affirmed Sultan al-Jaber, COP28 president, in his Sunday remarks.
The selection of Sultan al-Jaber to lead the summit has drawn criticism from environmental activists due to his affiliation with an OPEC member and a major oil exporter, as he is the head of the state-owned oil company, ADNOC.
“We have witnessed 27 COPs, and it’s noteworthy that 17 of them were hosted by nations with significant fossil fuel production,” highlighted Jaber. “The truth remains that energy is a fundamental necessity for everyone, everywhere.”
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman echoed the sentiment, emphasising that the energy industry should not be unfairly stigmatized, and that the world still relies on hydrocarbons.
