Scheduled for November 30th, COP28 (the 28th session of the Conference of Parties) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is set to bring together an impressive gathering of 70,000 participants, including heads of states, government officials, climate experts, and leaders from various global industries. This crucial event aims to tackle the pressing issue of climate change, which is widely recognized as the greatest challenge of our time.
Nonetheless, the conference’s initial stages have encountered significant obstacles due to the selection of Sultan Al Jaber as the President-Designate of COP28. Sultan Al Jaber’s dual roles as the Emirati Minister of Industry and CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) have drawn criticism from climate activists, sparking demands for him to step down from his position
Controversies surrounding Sultan Al Jaber’s leadership
Sultan Al Jaber, a prominent figure in the energy sector, was chosen to lead COP28. His accomplishments in the fossil fuel industry are tremendous but his appointment has been met with skepticism. As a relative newcomer to climate negotiations, his lack of experience raises doubts about his ability to navigate the complex landscape of global climate politics.
One of the main criticisms leveled against Sultan Al Jaber is his questionable track record in addressing environmental issues. While he has been involved in renewable energy initiatives, his commitment to climate action has been questioned. Some argue that his prior affiliations with the fossil fuel industry raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and his commitment to transitioning away from reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources. This association has understandably raised doubts about his ability to drive substantial change and effectively address the urgent climate crisis. Not only is Al Jabar the UAE minister for industry and advanced technology, he’s perhaps better known as being the chief executive of the UAE national oil company, ADNOC – one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers. Even more controversial is the fact that ADNOC is planning a large-scale expansion of oil and gas operations, leaving many wondering how he can effectively function as President-Designate with such split priorities.
According to Tasneem Essop, the Executive Director of Climate Action Network International, she expressed the following viewpoint:
“It is not appropriate for Al Jaber to lead a process aimed at addressing the climate crisis when he holds a position in an industry that is directly responsible for causing the crisis itself. This conflict of interest raises concerns about his ability to effectively preside over the proceedings.”
Inadequate Leadership and Preparations for COP28
The preparations for COP28 have been marred by concerns over inadequate focus on key agenda items. Important topics such as adaptation, finance, and technology transfer have not received the attention they deserve. This lack of prioritization by Sultan Al Jaber undermines the effectiveness of the conference and hampers progress in addressing the climate crisis.
In addition to these concerns, there has been a significant failure to actively involve stakeholders and civil society in the decision-making processes of COP28. This has led to a lack of meaningful representation and insufficient input from those who are most affected by the devastating consequences of climate change. It is disheartening to note that Sultan Ali Jaber, as COP28 President-Designate, has not even taken the initiative to meet with leaders of countries severely impacted by climate-related challenges.This raises a crucial question: How many environmentalists, marginalized communities, and indigenous peoples, who often bear the brunt of climate impacts, have been marginalized and overlooked under his leadership? Their perspectives and voices, which are essential for formulating effective climate solutions, have been unfortunately sidelined, creating a significant gap in the decision-making process and hindering progress towards addressing climate change in a just and equitable manner.
Lack of ambition and commitment to climate action
Under Sultan Al Jaber’s leadership, one of the major flaws evident in COP28 is the insufficient ambition to effectively address the pressing climate crisis. While he presented renewable energy projects, they seemed more like a mere showcase for the world, lacking significant green initiatives, including those implemented by Sultan’s Masdar. This lack of genuine commitment and dedication poses a serious threat to the goal of limiting global warming to safe levels.
Furthermore, the absence of concrete plans and strategies from Sultan Al Jaber to reduce greenhouse gas emissions further undermines the overall effectiveness of the conference. Without specific actions and clear timelines, meaningful progress in combating climate change becomes impeded. This failure to provide a roadmap for action not only hampers the ability to make tangible advancements, but it also diminishes confidence in the outcomes of COP28.
vInfluence of vested interests
Another concerning aspect of COP28 is the influence of vested interests, particularly from the fossil fuel industry. There have been allegations that the decision-making processes within COP28 have been influenced by powerful fossil fuel companies. This influence raises concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the negotiations, as the interests of these industries may not align with the urgent need for climate action. In the absence of effective controls to prevent industry interference, numerous lobbyists converge on the annual climate talks, often attending as members of country delegations. One striking example is the UAE’s 1000-person delegation, which notably included a larger number of fossil fuel lobbyists compared to other countries. This pattern of political interference and cooptation of the UNFCCC undermines the integrity of the space and its crucial mission. The UNFCCC has progressively fallen under the influence of corporate power, particularly from fossil fuel interests, while restricting civil society access. As a result, the power dynamics at COP have shifted towards corporate-dominated multi-stakeholder platforms, eroding the sovereignty of rights holders. Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the conflicts of interest surrounding Sultan Al Jaber himself. His previous affiliations with the fossil fuel industry raise doubts about his ability to lead impartially and prioritize the transition to renewable energy sources. These conflicts further undermine the credibility of COP28 and erode trust in the outcomes it aims to achieve
The decision-making processes within COP28 have lacked transparency. Key discussions and negotiations have been shielded from public scrutiny, raising concerns about the accountability and legitimacy of the outcomes. The lack of transparency further exacerbates the skepticism surrounding Sultan Al Jaber’s leadership and the effectiveness of COP28.
Furthermore, the failure to address the root causes of climate change perpetuates environmental injustice, exacerbating existing inequalities and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The implications of COP28 extend beyond the immediate conference outcomes, shaping the trajectory of global climate efforts for years to come.
The leadership of Sultan Al Jaber in steering COP28 has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of the conference. From inadequate preparations and lack of ambition to the influence of vested interests and lack of transparency, the shortcomings of COP28 are disheartening. Urgent changes in leadership and a renewed commitment to inclusive, ambitious, and transparent climate action are imperative.
It is crucial for future climate conferences to prioritize the voices of affected communities, foster global collaboration, and uphold the principles of transparency and inclusivity. The fight against climate change demands decisive action and transformative measures, and COP conferences must rise to the occasion to address the greatest challenge of our time.
