Promises to take a "pragmatic approach". (Photo: Reuters)
The chairman of the National Oil Company of the United Arab Emirates was appointed president of the upcoming international climate conference, in a decision that drew sharp criticism from environmental activists. The official news agency in the Emirates reported yesterday (Thursday) that Sultan Al-Jaber will be the first CEO to serve as president The upcoming conference (28COP).
"I wholeheartedly believe that climate action today is a tremendous economic opportunity for investing in sustainable growth," said Al-Jaber, who promised to take a "pragmatic" approach.
Al-Jaber also serves as the UAE's Minister of Industry and the country's special envoy for climate change.
He has already participated in more than ten climate conferences.
In a statement on his appointment, Al-Jaber - who, in addition to all his duties, also serves as the CEO of the government's renewable energy company - was described as someone who "played a central role in shaping the country's clean energy policy."
The special envoy of the United States for the climate issue, John Kerry, congratulated him and said that the Emirates is a "critical partner" in dealing with the climate crisis.
"The road ahead will not be easy, but with the beginning of 2023 I am optimistic that together we can rise to meet the challenge of the climate crisis," Kerry said.
The spokesman for the UN Secretary General said that the election of the president of the upcoming conference is an internal matter for the Emirates.
"The science is absolutely clear," the spokesman said.
"The Secretary-General once again emphasizes that there is no way to avoid a climate disaster without giving up our addiction to fossil fuels."
The last climate conference was held in Egypt, and it ended on a sour note. Although it was agreed to provide extensive aid to poor countries that were severely affected by climate change, no new ambitious targets for reducing emissions were adopted Greenhouse gases.
John Kerry welcomes the appointment
The United Arab Emirates is one of the largest oil producers in the world and among the largest polluters in relation to the number of its inhabitants.
It will host the next conference in Dubai, which will be held in November and December.
At the recent conference in Egypt, it sent the largest number of lobbyists from the oil and gas industries.
Harjit Singh, of the International Climate Action Network, said that Al-Jaber's appointment was an "outrageous conflict of interest."
Theresa Anderson, who promotes climate justice at the ActionAid organization, said that the appointment is "more than letting the fox guard the coop."
The Emirates claims that oil is still an inseparable part of the world economy.
It promotes the idea of carbon capture - separating carbon dioxide, which is the main greenhouse gas - while burning the fuel or from the air.
The enclave country itself is affected by climate change, given its location in one of the hottest regions in the world.
In summer, temperatures in the Emirates approach 50 degrees, and scientists estimate that parts of the Gulf may be too hot for humans by the end of this century.
The emirate has announced a series of ambitious environmental initiatives, including plans to generate 20 gigawatts of solar energy by 2030 and a fully operational nuclear power plant by next year.
It plans to develop enough renewable energy sources to cover half of its needs by 2050, the year it aims to reach carbon neutrality - which does not include greenhouse gas emissions from the oil it exports.
The Emirates also estimates that the oil and gas industry will be required to invest more than 600 billion dollars annually, until 2030, to meet the expected demand.
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