In an interview at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore criticized the UAE’s role as host of the summit. He accused the UAE of abusing public trust by appointing Sultan al-Jaber, head of the UAE’s national oil company ADNOC, as the president of COP28. Gore expressed doubt that al-Jaber could be an honest broker of a climate deal due to his ties to the oil industry.
Gore also presented data from the coalition Climate TRACE, which he co-founded, showing that the UAE’s greenhouse gas emissions increased by 7.5% in 2022, compared to a 1.5% rise globally. He called out the UAE for its lack of comment on the data.
Furthermore, Gore criticized the presence of oil and gas companies at the summit, particularly highlighting Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods’ appearance. He accused Woods of placing profits over the survival of human civilization and urged delegates to focus on phasing out fossil fuels without reliance on carbon capture technology.
The comments made by Gore reflect the skepticism among some delegates at the COP28 summit regarding the UAE’s suitability as a host for the international negotiations on global warming. Gore’s strong stance against the presence of the oil and gas industry at the summit aligns with his long-standing advocacy for climate action.
Al Gore, a prominent climate advocate, expressed his concerns during an interview at the COP28 climate summit. A key point of contention for Gore was the appointment of Sultan al-Jaber, head of the UAE’s national oil company, as president of COP28. He criticized the decision and questioned al-Jaber’s ability to impartially negotiate a climate deal.
Highlighting data from Climate TRACE, Gore emphasized the significant increase in the UAE’s greenhouse gas emissions, calling for accountability from the country. In addition, Gore condemned the presence of oil and gas companies at the summit, particularly singling out Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods for prioritizing profits over addressing the climate crisis.
Gore urged delegates to focus on language in the summit’s final text that calls for the phase-out of fossil fuels without reliance on carbon capture technology. His remarks reflect the ongoing debate at the summit surrounding the role of fossil fuel companies in addressing climate change and the potential conflict of interest that arises from their participation in the negotiations.
Gore’s remarks come amidst ongoing discussions at the COP28 summit regarding the credibility of the UAE as the host of the international climate negotiations. His criticisms highlight the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the climate crisis, particularly in the context of the oil and gas industry’s influence on the summit.
As the COP28 climate summit continues, Gore’s comments serve as a reminder of the challenges and complexities inherent in the negotiations, particularly regarding the role of fossil fuel companies and the imperative to prioritize meaningful climate action.
Gore’s outspoken criticism of the UAE’s hosting of the COP28 climate summit and his call for accountability in addressing the climate crisis reflect the ongoing debate and skepticism surrounding the role of oil and gas companies in the negotiations. His remarks underscore the importance of prioritizing transparent and effective climate action.
The comments made by Gore at the COP28 summit emphasize the need for a thorough evaluation of the role of host countries and the influence of fossil fuel companies in the international climate negotiations. His strong stance against the presence of the oil and gas industry highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities in addressing the climate crisis at the summit.
Al Gore’s critique of the UAE’s position as host of the COP28 climate summit and his call for transparency and accountability in addressing the climate crisis reflect the ongoing debate surrounding the role of fossil fuel companies in the negotiations. His remarks underscore the importance of prioritizing effective and meaningful climate action at the international level.
