U.N. Climate Summit Undermined by Petro-State Hosting and Fossil Fuel Influence
The 28th United Nations climate summit (COP28) is coming to a close in Dubai, but instead of achieving significant climate action, the entire process is on the verge of breaking down. COP28’s failure to address the urgent need for immediate and drastic measures has turned it into a farce. The choice of the United Arab Emirates, a petro-state, as the host for COP28 was a troubling sign from the start. The appointment of Sultan Al Jaber, a fossil fuel executive, as the president of COP28 only worsened the situation.
Conflict of Interest and Doubtful Statements Raise Concerns
Al Jaber’s use of his position to promote the UAE’s state oil firm and his statement denying the need to phase out fossil fuels to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius have raised concerns about his motivations. The fact that he was misinterpreted does little to alleviate doubts, as the recording of his statement is clear. Adding to the distress, Saudi Arabia, a petro-state ally of the UAE, is joining forces with Russia and China to oppose any “phase out” of fossil fuels, going as far as rejecting weaker “phase down” language. The international oil cartel OPEC is even urging its members to obstruct any deal to curb fossil fuel use.
Loss of Confidence and Disillusionment in the COP Process
Climate activists who have long been skeptical and cynical about the effectiveness of the COP framework have every reason to be disillusioned. Accusations that the process has been co-opted by the fossil fuel industry and plagued by conflicts, corruption, and corporate greenwashing are becoming increasingly difficult to refute. The lack of confidence in the United Nations among youth climate advocates, who feel betrayed by what they perceive as favoritism towards polluters, is a significant blow.
Mend It, Don’t End It: Overhauling the COP Process
Despite its flaws, abandoning the COP process is not an option. It remains the only existing framework for global climate negotiations. However, substantial changes are necessary to restore its credibility. Petro-states should be prohibited from hosting the summit due to their inherent conflict of interest. Oil industry executives should also be barred from exerting undue influence or presiding over the summit.
The current “name and shame” approach of publicly exposing and condemning those obstructing climate action is proving ineffective. Imposing financial penalties, such as tariffs or embargoes, on countries like Saudi Arabia that impede efforts to phase out fossil fuels would send a stronger message. Moreover, the consensus rules that allow any one country to veto an agreement should be replaced by a super majority rule, requiring a 75% approval.
Immediate Reforms to Seize the Closing Window of Opportunity
With the window of opportunity to limit warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius rapidly closing, immediate action is imperative. The broken COP process needs to be fixed to prevent the world from hurtling towards catastrophe. It is time to change the rules so that we can change the world for the better.
In conclusion, Michael E. Mann, presidential distinguished professor and director of the Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media at the University of Pennsylvania, and Susan Joy Hassol, director of Climate Communication, emphasize the need for a substantial overhaul of the COP rules and processes. They stress the importance of eliminating fossil fuel influence, implementing financial penalties for obstructionist countries, and changing the consensus rules to ensure progress. Only by taking these steps can the COP process regain its integrity and effectively address the urgent climate crisis.
