Oil deals and private planes overshadow COP28

Amidst the urgent call for climate action, the UK’s decision to send three separate planes for high-profile attendees to COP28 in Dubai has ignited a debate on commitment versus optics. The Prime Minister’s use of “sustainable aviation fuel” and carbon offsetting measures are juxtaposed against criticisms from opposition leaders, who highlight the irony of excess travel to a climate summit. The UAE, hosting the event, is under scrutiny for its oil ties, with the summit’s President-Designate, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, also being the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. COP28 promises tough negotiations on agricultural emissions, fossil fuel phase-outs, and climate financing.

As the world’s gaze shifts to Dubai for COP28, the stage is set for a complex interplay of climate diplomacy amid the pressing need for concrete actions to mitigate global warming. The summit’s significance is heightened by controversies that have raised critical questions about the commitment of global leaders to the climate cause. Britain’s choice to send three separate planes to the summit, albeit with Downing Street insisting on the importance of a “strong attendance,” has not gone unnoticed.

While the Prime Minister’s aircraft runs on sustainable aviation fuel, a gesture aimed at lessening the environmental impact, critics argue the gesture is undercut by the very act of using separate jets for UK officials. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to fly commercially, aligning more closely with the conference’s sustainability ethos, stands in contrast and underscores the scrutiny around actions versus commitments.

Leadership under scrutiny

The host nation, the UAE, is not exempt from this scrutiny. As an oil-rich state, it aims to lead discussions on the global climate agenda, advocating for consensus and acceleration of inclusive climate progress. Yet, the leadership of COP28 has sparked debate, with the UAE’s President-Designate of the conference, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, also holding a significant role in the nation’s oil industry as CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Critics question whether the duality of roles might affect the conference’s direction and outcomes.

Moreover, reports have emerged suggesting the UAE planned to use the summit to discuss oil and gas deals with 15 nations. This revelation first published about by the BBC, could cast a long shadow over the summit’s intentions, potentially undermining the credibility of COP28 and its capacity to drive forward meaningful climate action.

Missing key players

The absence of key figures such as U.S. President Joe Biden, who is sending top officials in his stead, adds to the complexity of gauging the level of commitment from world leaders. Despite the White House’s assertion that President Biden has spearheaded a historically ambitious climate agenda, his non-attendance has not gone unnoticed.

Nevertheless, over 70,000 delegates have convened with the intention to hammer out strategies to address the growing climate crisis. The broad agenda includes topics such as climate financing, emissions cuts pledges, and discussions around the phasing out of fossil fuels.

The search for consensus

The Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C is a focal point of COP28. However, a shadow looms over the summit as reports indicate a significant gap between current pledges and the actions required to achieve this target. The EU, for one, is pushing for all parties to agree on global energy goals, including the phasing out of unabated fossil fuels and the scaling up of renewable energy capacity.

At the heart of COP28 is the Global Stocktake, a crucial process that assesses the collective progress of nations towards the Paris goals. This stocktake will influence the next contributions of states and could prompt them to enhance their climate action plans. Yet, the efficacy of this process relies on transparent and accurate reporting from nations, a principle historically challenged by unfulfilled promises and lack of accountability.

Accountability and enforcement

Addressing the discrepancy between pledges and necessary actions, new mechanisms are being introduced at COP28 to ensure nations adhere to their climate commitments. The summit’s outcomes will depend on the establishment of frameworks for monitoring and enforcing these commitments. How these will be implemented and their potential to drive real change remains a crucial aspect of the summit’s legacy.

A significant concern for many is whether COP28 can catalyse a shift from voluntary pledges to mandatory actions with robust accountability. The emphasis on voluntary basis in previous summits has often led to a chasm between commitments and actual progress.

Climate finance and adaptation

Climate finance is another major topic at COP28, with developed nations being called upon to double adaptation finance by 2025, focusing on directing a significant portion of all climate finance toward adaptation responses. The establishment of a fund to assist developing countries in recovering from weather disasters is also on the agenda, but debates continue over which states will access this fund, who will pay, and how it will be governed.

Meanwhile, the private sector’s role and the potential for meaningful advancement in climate finance are critical. The involvement of businesses and civil societies is necessary to maximise the impact of climate actions. The UAE’s own strides towards a Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and its commitment to climate action, as the first in the region to ratify the Paris Agreement, demonstrate the potential for a symbiotic relationship between government policies and private sector innovation.

Conclusion

COP28’s ability to deliver outcomes that resonate with the urgency of the climate crisis is still uncertain. The backdrop of an oil-rich host nation and the notable absence of key figures like President Biden set a complex stage for negotiations. The world watches with a blend of skepticism and hope, as the conference unfolds with the pressing need for action more apparent than ever. The coming days will reveal whether COP28 can overcome its controversies to catalyse the global community towards a sustainable and resilient future.