Title: UAE Faces Backlash for Discussing Oil and Gas Deals at COP28 Climate Talks
Introduction:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come under fire for allegedly pursuing oil and gas deals with foreign governments during the COP28 UN climate talks, leading to concerns over the credibility of the negotiations. Leaked documents obtained by the BBC have shed light on briefing notes prepared by the UAE’s COP28 team, revealing discussions involving state oil and renewable energy companies. The revelations have sparked an outcry from climate NGOs and raised questions about the commitment to combating climate change.
Article:
The briefing notes leaked to the BBC suggest that the UAE’s COP28 team proposed expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to Germany in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Additionally, discussions on exploring international LNG opportunities with China were also discovered, reflecting the country’s continued focus on fossil fuels.
Notably, the documents indicate that Saudi Arabia and Venezuela were reassured that sustainable development of natural resources does not conflict with their commitment to combat climate change. This revelation has further added to the concerns about the UAE’s stance on the environment and its dedication to global efforts against climate change.
Climate NGOs, including Greenpeace and Climate Action Network Europe, have strongly criticized the UAE for its alleged actions. Greenpeace’s Policy Coordinator denounced the allegations as unacceptable and labeled them a scandal, while the director of Climate Action Network Europe described any deal involving UAE’s oil and gas companies as a direct affront to the UN process on climate change.
Furthermore, the leaked documents contain details of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (ADNOC) commercial interests in target countries and highlight various energy infrastructure projects spearheaded by the UAE’s state renewable energy company. These revelations emphasize the UAE’s continued focus on maintaining a strong presence in the global energy sector.
The appointment of Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, CEO of ADNOC, as the president of COP28 has also attracted criticism due to his role in the UAE’s national oil company. Critics argue that this appointment raises concerns about conflicts of interest and questions the legitimacy of the UN climate negotiations.
In response to the leaked documents, a COP28 spokesperson has denied their accuracy and expressed disappointment in the BBC’s reporting. However, the backlash and concerns raised by climate NGOs continue to underscore the need for transparency and a genuine commitment to combating climate change in all nations.
Conclusion:
The leaked documents revealing the UAE’s discussions on oil and gas deals during the COP28 climate talks have ignited criticism and concerns about the credibility of the negotiations. Climate NGOs have condemned the alleged actions, stating that any collaboration with UAE’s oil and gas companies undermines the efforts to tackle climate change. As the spotlight remains on the UAE’s role as the host country, calls for transparency in the climate negotiations and a genuine commitment to combatting climate change grow stronger.
