Sultan Al Jaber, president of the COP28 climate summit, has stirred controversy with his recent comments on the role of fossil fuels in climate action. During a panel event in Dubai, Al Jaber claimed that there is “no science” supporting the need to phase out fossil fuels in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This assertion has drawn alarm from climate scientists and advocates, who have emphasized the critical role of reducing fossil fuel use in achieving climate goals.
The discussion over the future of fossil fuels has emerged as a contentious issue at the COP28 summit, with diverging views on whether a “phase-out” or a “phase-down” approach is necessary. Scientific reports have consistently highlighted the urgent need to decrease fossil fuel usage in order to keep global warming in check. However, Al Jaber’s comments have cast doubts on his commitment to this objective, raising concerns about his leadership at the summit.
In response to criticism, Al Jaber defended his position in a news conference, stating that he remains committed to climate science and acknowledging the inevitability of reducing fossil fuel usage. However, his earlier remarks have sparked skepticism and skepticism from climate researchers and advocacy groups who argue that his stance contradicts established scientific findings.
The ongoing COP28 summit is a pivotal moment for global climate action, with the first global stocktake set to assess countries’ progress on climate initiatives. However, Al Jaber’s controversial comments have underscored the challenges of reaching consensus on the role of fossil fuels in combating the climate crisis. As the summit continues, the debate over the future of fossil fuels remains a central point of contention, with implications for the trajectory of global climate action.