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Turning the Tide: Calls Intensify to Phase Out Fossil Fuels as Controversial Oil Executive Assumes Control of Climate Talks Amidst Growing Criticism

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The heat is on for the oil executive at the helm of crucial international climate negotiations in Dubai as mounting pressure calls for the elimination of fossil fuels. Amidst concerns of a perceived conflict of interest, the United Nations and climate leaders sought to ease tensions by achieving an early victory in the form of unanimous approval for a groundbreaking program. This initiative aims to provide compensation to developing nations grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change, such as floods, storms, and droughts.

In a surprising turn of events, negotiators rallied behind the long-awaited plans, signaling a united front in the battle against climate extremes. The host nation, the United Arab Emirates, spearheaded the effort by promptly pledging over $420 million to kickstart the new fund—a significant milestone after three decades of deliberation. The leaders expressed optimism that this swift success on a critical financial issue would set a positive tone for the ongoing negotiations.

However, the celebratory atmosphere is overshadowed by recent revelations surrounding the CEO of the UAE's national oil company, ADNOC, who also assumes the role of COP president at the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28). Reports emerged just days before the conference, linking ADNOC's push for fossil fuel sales with efforts to combat climate change. The juxtaposition raises eyebrows, considering the detrimental environmental impact of coal, oil, and gas—the primary contributors to global warming.

Sultan al-Jaber, the CEO and COP president, vehemently denied the allegations, but the controversy has cast a shadow over the proceedings. Climate experts anticipate that these revelations may alter the course and dynamics of the two-week negotiations. With more than 100,000 participants registered, a record-breaking number for these U.N. talks, the stakes are higher than ever.

German climate envoy Jennifer Morgan emphasized the pressing need for the COP president to deliver meaningful results, describing the focus as a "course correction." Meanwhile, climate negotiations historian Joanna Depledge acknowledged the embarrassment caused by the revelations but remained optimistic about the potential tightening of pressure on the UAE to address the critical issue at hand. As the talks unfold just 60 miles away from offshore oil fields, the intersection of interests and environmental responsibilities takes center stage, underscoring the urgency for decisive action and a genuine commitment to a sustainable future.

“It’s understandable if the COP hosts, and other fossil fuel nations, were starting to feel the heat on this issue," remarked Mohamed Adow of Power Shift Africa. "Fossil fuels are, after all, the elephant in the room, and these countries can’t go on trying to pretend they are not a problem. This extra scrutiny is certainly welcome.”

Sultan al-Jaber's dual roles as the CEO of the UAE's national oil company and the COP president have already raised concerns about conflicting interests. The recent news coverage further intensifies the spotlight on the role of coal, oil, and gas in climate change during the ongoing climate talks, emphasizing global efforts to eliminate the use of fossil fuels, as noted by World Resources Institute president Ani Dasgupta.

“On one hand, the disclosures erode trust in the COP president, and that will make forging a deal harder,” stated former U.S. State Department climate lawyer Nigel Purvis, who serves as the CEO of Climate Advisers. “On the other hand, the UAE now has even more reason to push for a fossil fuel phase-down agreement to show the world that it is serious about becoming the first post-petroleum OPEC country.”

German and European support for a fossil fuel phase-out remains steadfast, with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry affirming the United States' commitment to the same goal. However, the controversy surrounding al-Jaber's positions adds complexity to negotiations. The COP presidency office emphasized that any pressure felt stems from the urgency to deliver ambitious action to course correct and keep the 1.5°C international climate threshold within reach.

Climate Analytics CEO Bill Hare pointed out that the UAE has advocated for a less stringent "phase down" rather than a stricter "phase out" of fossil fuels, which he deemed as mere "window dressing" for increased oil and gas drilling. Recent reporting, according to Hare, reinforces concerns about greenwashing, underscoring the need for the COP president to prioritize the planet's interests over oil concerns.

In the eyes of climate leaders like Dasgupta, Purvis, Depledge, and Hare, the unfolding developments imply that al-Jaber and oil interests must advocate for a stronger agreement to eliminate fossil fuels. United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell conveyed his frustration to negotiators, urging them to take more significant and faster actions to signal the terminal decline of the fossil fuel era. Stiell emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “If we do not signal the terminal decline of the fossil fuel era as we know it, we welcome our own terminal decline, and we choose to pay with people’s lives.”

Minutes into presiding over the initial day of climate negotiations, al-Jaber wasted no time addressing the imperative need for a transformative shift in global energy consumption. "I know there are strong views on the idea of including language on fossil fuels,'' al-Jaber acknowledged. "I ask you all to work together. Be flexible. Find common ground. Come forward with solutions and achieve consensus." However, he also advocated for a "bold choice" by involving oil companies more in climate talks and advocated for the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero industry emissions by 2050.

An added layer of pressure looms over these discussions as global multilateralism faces heightened scrutiny, particularly in the aftermath of recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the contentious distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Against the backdrop of record-breaking heat this year, Dasgupta from WRI emphasized the urgency, noting, "We've seen already at 1.2 degrees warming this year the catastrophic heatwaves, floods, and other events that have happened around the world." Climate Analytics' Hare underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "We are facing epic wreckage here. If we can't get this problem under control."

Al-Jaber expressed hope that negotiators, during the ensuing two weeks, can instigate meaningful change. "Let's restore faith in multilateralism," al-Jaber urged. "Let's deliver some good news to the world that really needs it today."

As the climate talks unfold, the global community watches with anticipation and a sense of urgency, recognizing the pivotal role these negotiations play in addressing the escalating climate crisis. For comprehensive coverage of climate-related developments, visit http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment, and follow Seth Borenstein on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @borenbears. The Associated Press' commitment to climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations, with details available in AP's climate initiative documentation. It's essential to note that the AP is solely responsible for all content related to climate and environmental coverage.

In conclusion, as the climate negotiations unfold under the leadership of COP president Sultan al-Jaber, the urgency to address the global climate crisis becomes increasingly apparent. Al-Jaber's call for collaboration, flexibility, and finding common ground on the contentious issue of fossil fuels sets the stage for two weeks of critical discussions. However, his dual roles as the CEO of the UAE's national oil company and COP president continue to draw scrutiny, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

The pressure to act decisively is heightened by the current geopolitical climate, with multilateralism facing challenges in the wake of conflicts and vaccine distribution disputes. Against the backdrop of unprecedented heatwaves, floods, and other climate-related catastrophes, there is a growing sense of urgency and a collective recognition of the need for substantial, impactful change.

As negotiators strive to navigate these complex issues, al-Jaber expresses hope for restoring faith in multilateralism and delivering positive news to a world in dire need. The global community watches closely, understanding that the outcomes of these negotiations will significantly impact our ability to mitigate the effects of climate change. The responsibility falls not only on the negotiators but on the entire international community to work towards a sustainable and resilient future.