The recent annual Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also known as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), took place in Dubai amid a cloud of controversy. Critics pointed to the host nation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and conference president, Dr. Sultan al Jaber, for their connections to the oil industry and their questionable track record on human rights and press freedoms.
The summit was overshadowed by the UAE’s position as a major exporter of crude oil and its checkered history of environmental degradation due to fossil fuel production. This raised doubts about the country’s commitment to genuinely working towards a more sustainable future. The selection of Dr. Sultan al Jaber, who has close ties to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), as the COP28 president further fueled skepticism about the conference’s credibility and its ability to advocate for reducing and eventually phasing out fossil fuels.
BBC reported that the UAE was allegedly using COP28 as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals, leveraging its role as host to advance its own material interests. Leaked briefing documents revealed the UAE’s plans to discuss fossil fuel deals with 15 nations, as well as preparations to promote its state renewable energy company, Masdar, in advance of the meetings.
Furthermore, COP28 president Dr. Sultan al Jaber’s statements prior to the summit, questioning the necessity of phasing out fossil fuels to address global warming, only added to the perception that the conference was merely for show and lacked seriousness. In addition to climate issues, the UAE’s human rights record also came under scrutiny, with criticism for its lack of freedom of expression, arbitrary arrests, detainee abuse, and limited women’s rights.
Former United States Vice President Al Gore expressed disappointment with the outcome of the conference, describing it as on the verge of complete failure and deeply offensive to those who took the process seriously. He emphasized the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, which appeared to be at odds with the direction of the conference.
Looking ahead, there is a call for COP29 to learn from the shortcomings of COP28 and strive for meaningful progress in addressing climate change. The choice of host country and conference president will be crucial in determining the credibility and effectiveness of future climate change conferences. Despite the setbacks of COP28, the annual climate gathering remains a significant global summit with the potential for meaningful work to be undertaken. It is hoped that future conferences will be more successful in advancing the necessary goals for a sustainable future.
