For the first time in history, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is set to enter a climate conference with its own pavilion, a move that has caused consternation among activists and observers of the climate negotiations. At the centre of the controversy is OPEC’s presence at the Dubai Climate Conference COP (28), with a pavilion located within the official UN space.
This represents an unprecedented turn of events, as never before have OPEC and the oil sector in general had a dedicated space within a climate conference. Haitham al-Ghais, OPEC’s secretary general, confirmed the organisation’s participation at COP (28): “I hope that all voices can be heard at COP (28). The oil industry will be there, and we will be with them”. These words were made during an event held in Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates, in which companies and governments linked to the oil sector participated.
The decision to welcome OPEC and the fossil fuel industry has been controversial, especially given the predominant role of these actors in climate change. However, according to COP president-designate Sultan al-Jaber, the aim is to involve the fossil fuel industry as an integral part of the solution to the climate crisis.
Despite these intentions, the news has further heightened concerns among climate activists and international observers of the negotiating process, due to doubts about the COP28 presidency headed by al-Jaber. Criticism has been mounting since the beginning of the year, when al-Jaber, who is also CEO of the UAE’s largest state-owned oil company, was appointed head of the climate talks in Dubai. Despite criticism of the apparent conflict of interest, al-Jaber reiterated that his actions will not favour fossil fuel companies.
The discomfort will increase further as the COP progresses, as some countries want to put the issue of a timetable for phasing out fossil fuels on the agenda. Despite the defence of the oil industry’s presence in the negotiations, the COP presidency is considering solutions to mitigate criticism.
According to the Financial Times, al-Jaber’s proposals to relieve pressure include the idea of working with the fossil fuel industry to reduce emissions from the sector. The COP president-designate said: “I don’t want this industry to be seen in any way as hostile to the gradual shift away from fossil energy.
