As the world eagerly anticipates the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, set to take place in Dubai at the end of November, concerns are mounting over the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) commitment to this pivotal event. Sultan Al Jaber, a key figure in the UAE’s role in COP28, has been engaging with various organizations in a bid to ensure the conference’s success. However, questions arise about the UAE’s sincerity in addressing climate change, given their continued investment in fossil fuels and heavy reliance on the oil industry. It begs the question, are they truly serious about such a crucial event like COP28?

Last year’s COP event was a mixed bag of outcomes, and the international community is looking to Dubai with cautious optimism. The business world has a significant stake in these discussions, as the decisions made during COP28 could significantly impact their strategies, risk assessments, and investment choices. While there were some positive developments last year, such as the establishment of a fund to assist countries suffering from climate change-induced damages, little progress was made in the central objective of convincing nations to enhance their commitments to reduce emissions. Moreover, a proposal to phase out all fossil fuels was ultimately rejected after contentious debates.

Fast forward twelve months, and COP28 arrives amidst a backdrop of extreme weather events that underscore the urgency of climate action. Record-breaking heat waves, wildfires, and devastating droughts have become the new norm. The summer of 2023 was declared the hottest ever recorded, and some scientists are even suggesting that July 4th of that year might have been the hottest day on Earth in 125,000 years.

Inevitably, these alarming weather patterns are mirrored in a recent UN report on the global ‘stocktake’ of progress towards the Paris Agreement’s goals. The findings are far from reassuring, indicating that the world is significantly off course in its efforts to control global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The window of opportunity to ramp up ambitions and implement existing commitments is closing rapidly.

The question that looms large is whether the UAE, under the leadership of Mr. Sultan Al Jaber, is genuinely committed to addressing these pressing climate issues at COP28. Despite their active role in these global discussions, their actions back home tell a different story. The UAE’s persistent investment in fossil fuels and economic dependence on the oil industry raises doubts about its true dedication to achieving a net-zero future.

While Mr. Sultan Al Jaber meets with various organizations, the UAE continues to pour resources into fossil fuel projects, contrary to the global shift towards clean and renewable energy sources. This contradiction in their approach highlights a lack of alignment between their international climate commitments and domestic policies, leaving observers to question their seriousness about COP28.

It is imperative that the UAE takes substantial steps to transition away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy infrastructure to demonstrate a genuine commitment to COP28’s goals. Without this, their stance remains at odds with the global community’s determination to tackle the climate crisis.

In the lead-up to COP28, the international community expects nations to make bold and transformative commitments to accelerate the transition to future net-zero emissions. However, the UAE’s ongoing reliance on the oil industry underscores a reluctance to distance themselves from their fossil fuel roots. This contradiction raises concerns about whether the UAE’s delegation, led by Mr. Sultan Al Jaber, is truly dedicated to the conference’s mission or if they are primarily focused on maintaining their oil-based economy.

As the world confronts the pressing issue of climate change, it is essential for the UAE to reevaluate its economic priorities and commit to a transition away from fossil fuels. Their current stance, which relies heavily on the revenue generated from the oil industry, contradicts the goals of COP28 and puts their credibility in question. The global community expects nations to set ambitious targets and take meaningful actions to reduce carbon emissions. The UAE’s continued investment in the fossil fuel sector sends the wrong message.

To ensure the success of COP28, it is crucial for the UAE to align its domestic policies with their international commitments. The world is watching, and it is time for the UAE, led by Mr. Sultan Al Jaber, to demonstrate a genuine commitment to a net-zero future. This requires investing in renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuels, and embracing a more sustainable and environmentally responsible economic model.

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. Recent extreme weather events, coupled with climate scientists’ stark warnings, make it clear that decisive action is needed. COP28 represents a critical opportunity for world leaders to come together and forge a path toward a more sustainable future. However, the UAE’s ongoing dependence on the oil industry and reluctance to transition to cleaner energy sources undermine the spirit of the conference.