COP28 Leader Addresses Accusations of Exploiting Climate Talks for Oil Contracts
COP28 leader refutes claims of exploiting climate talks for oil deals; Sultan Al Jaber denies allegations of seeking fossil fuel agreements for UAE's state-owned company
COP28 president-designate Sultan Al Jaber has vehemently denied allegations that his team attempted to use the international climate talks in Dubai to secure fossil fuel deals for the UAE's state-owned oil and gas company. This comes after various media outlets, including CNN, published stories this week based on leaked documents obtained by the UK-registered Centre for Climate Reporting. These documents appeared to be briefing notes for Al Jaber's meetings with foreign officials in the lead-up to the summit. Al Jaber, who also heads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has stated that he never saw the documents and refutes using such talking points in his discussions.
Several documents contained recommendations for presenting new oil and gas projects to visiting officials, with the potential to benefit the UAE.
"These allegations are completely untrue," he dismissed during a press conference in Dubai on Wednesday in response to a reporter's question, "and they are an attempt to undermine the work of the COP28 presidency."
Al Jaber, his office, and the UAE have faced significant backlash, particularly from Western media and civil society groups, for selecting their top oil executive to lead the upcoming talks. The discussions, set to commence on Thursday, are anticipated to focus on reducing the use of fossil fuels, which are the main contributor to the climate crisis.
It took Al Jaber more than three minutes to deny the allegations and criticisms regarding his ties to the oil and gas industry. Throughout his response, he expressed frustration and defended the UAE's rapid economic progress and its connections with foreign governments and businesses.
Sultan Al Jaber during an interview in Brussels on July 13.
Francois Walschaerts/AFP/Getty Images
Climate summit host UAE planned to use the event to make oil deals, leaked notes suggest
Al Jaber inquired, "Do you believe that the UAE, or I, will require the COP or COP presidency to pursue and solidify business deals and commercial partnerships?" He added, "For the past 50 years, this country has thrived on its capacity to forge connections and foster alliances."
The number of meetings that actually took place is unclear, but leaked notes seem to provide insight into how the team planned to use them to pursue new deals. CNN contacted the 15 countries mentioned, and four confirmed meetings, with some stating that no business discussions occurred or refusing to confirm. Two others stated that no meeting took place. Al Jaber stressed that all his meetings with officials were solely focused on his COP28 agenda.
"The focus of all my meetings with every government and stakeholder has been my COP28 agenda and the collective adoption of a mindset centered around implementation and action to keep 1.5 within reach," he stated. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as surpassing this threshold will make it increasingly difficult for life on Earth to adapt.
He mentioned receiving conflicting advice on whether he should interact with oil and gas companies in his position. "I'm often advised to engage with governments and oil and gas companies to apply pressure. Other times, I'm told that's not possible," he stated. "So, we're in trouble either way - if we do, or if we don't."
Following his refusal, he expressed gratitude towards the reporter who had inquired about the allegations. "I am feeling improved," he stated, wrapping up his comments.
At present, Al Jaber is supervising the expansion of ADNOC's oil and gas production. The company is actively working towards increasing its capacity from 4 million barrels a day in 2022 to 5 million by 2027.
