Energy
Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 3:08 pm EDT
Key Points
- Record Number of Fossil Fuel Lobbyists at COP28: An analysis by advocacy groups reveals that nearly 2,500 fossil fuel lobbyists were granted access to the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, signifying a substantial increase from the previous year. The report from the Kick Big Polluters Out coalition highlights that at least 2,456 lobbyists registered for the two-week summit, surpassing the numbers of almost every country delegation, except for Brazil and the host country, the United Arab Emirates.
- Controversy and Concerns: The significant presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP28 has sparked concerns and criticism from campaigners who argue that the attendance is “beyond justification.” They suggest that this surge indicates an effort by polluting industries to promote a fossil fuel agenda, potentially compromising the conference’s focus on climate action and disadvantaging frontline communities. Despite these concerns, some, including former U.S. energy secretary Ernest Moniz, argue that the participation of Big Oil in COP28 should be welcomed.
- Debates Over Fossil Fuel Phasing: The conference is witnessing a pivotal discussion over the future of fossil fuels, with divergent opinions on the approach to addressing their role in the global energy system. Calls for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels are being contested, with Russia opposing this language and the UAE signaling a preference for a phase-down approach. The choice of wording in the final agreement, whether focusing on “abated” or “unabated” fossil fuels, and the commitment to a “phase out” or “phase down” will be critical in determining the success of COP28. Additionally, a landmark deal was sealed to assist vulnerable countries in coping with the impacts of climate disasters, and announcements aimed at decarbonizing the energy sector, including pledges to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, have been made during the conference.
The COP28 climate conference in Dubai has seen a significant increase in fossil fuel lobbyists, with 2,456 estimated attendees, marking a sharp rise from the previous year. This surge in attendance by lobbyists, who outnumber almost every country delegation, has sparked concerns among campaigners who argue that it goes “beyond justification” and suggests an attempt by polluting industries to advance a fossil fuel agenda. The International Energy Agency has emphasized that the oil and gas industry faces a “moment of truth” in addressing its role in the global energy system amid the worsening climate crisis. Calls for a fossil fuel phase-out dominate the discussions at COP28, with debates over language choices, such as “phase out” versus “phase down,” and distinctions between “abated” and “unabated” fossil fuels. The final agreement’s wording will play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of the conference. Despite the controversies surrounding fossil fuel lobbyists, some, including former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, argue that their participation at COP28 should be welcomed. The conference has also witnessed landmark agreements, including a deal to assist vulnerable countries in coping with the impacts of climate disasters and pledges from nearly 120 governments to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/05/cop28-record-number-of-fossil-fuel-lobbyists-attend-un-climate-talks.html
