The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come under scrutiny for their plans to leverage the UN climate talks, known as COP28, as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals. Leaked briefing documents have revealed that the UAE’s COP28 team prepared talking points to discuss fossil fuel deals with 15 nations, including China, Germany, and Egypt. This revelation raises concerns about the UAE’s intentions and the potential impact on global efforts to combat climate change.
The documents obtained by independent journalists at the Centre for Climate Reporting and the BBC show that the UAE’s state oil company, Adnoc, expressed their willingness to explore international liquefied natural gas (LNG) opportunities in Mozambique, Canada, and Australia. They also suggested supporting Colombia in developing its fossil fuel resources. Additionally, the UAE’s state renewable energy company, Masdar, prepared talking points on commercial opportunities for renewable energy projects for meetings with 20 countries.
The UAE’s actions have sparked controversy as they appear to contradict the core principles and goals of the COP28 summit. The UN body responsible for the climate negotiations, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emphasizes the obligation of impartiality for COP presidents and their teams. They are expected to act without bias, self-interest, or favoritism. However, the leaked documents indicate that Adnoc and Masdar talking points were consistently included in the briefing notes for COP28 meetings.
Critics argue that attempting to conduct business deals during the COP process violates the standards of conduct set by the UNFCCC. This breach of conduct could undermine trust and hinder progress on global climate action. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, the head of the COP20 summit in Peru in 2014, expressed concerns about the failure of the COP if presidents prioritize commercial interests over the planet’s well-being.
Furthermore, the proposed projects mentioned in the briefing documents potentially involve new oil and gas developments. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has stated that to limit temperature rises to the crucial 1.5-degree Celsius target, no new oil and gas fields should be developed. The UAE’s pursuit of these deals contradicts the IEA’s recommendations and raises doubts about their commitment to reducing global emissions.
The UAE’s COP28 team has defended their actions, asserting that they are independent from Adnoc and Masdar. They claim to be focused on delivering ambitious and transformational climate outcomes at COP28. However, experts argue that the success of the UAE’s leadership and the COP28 summit as a whole will ultimately be judged by the results achieved.
These revelations highlight the need for transparency and accountability in international climate negotiations. The COP28 summit, hosted by the UAE in Dubai, is crucial for determining the future direction of global climate action. It is essential for participating nations and the public to remain vigilant and ensure that the focus remains on meaningful climate action rather than personal interests or business deals. The success of COP28 depends on maintaining the integrity of the negotiations and prioritizing the well-being of the planet over economic gains.
