On December 3, 2023, climate advocate and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore criticized the United Arab Emirates, the host of the COP28 climate summit, stating that its role as a steward of this year’s international negotiations on global warming is a misuse of public trust.
Criticism of the United Arab Emirates
Gore’s remarks, made during an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the conference in Dubai, pointed to skepticism among some delegates regarding the ability of COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber, the head of the UAE’s national oil company ADNOC, to be a credible mediator in a climate agreement.
Gore said: “They are misusing public trust by appointing the CEO of one of the largest and least responsible oil companies in the world as the president of the summit.”
Rising Emissions in the UAE
In a presentation he gave in the main assembly hall of the summit before the interview, Gore revealed data showing that greenhouse gas emissions in the UAE rose by 7.5% in 2022 compared to the previous year, versus a 1.5% increase globally. Gore emphasized that this data comes from a coalition he founded called Climate TRACE, which uses artificial intelligence and satellite data to track the carbon emissions of specific companies.
The UAE did not provide an immediate comment on Gore’s remarks or the TRACE data.
Criticism of Oil and Gas Companies and Carbon Capture Technology
Gore also criticized the presence of oil and gas companies at the annual climate summit and their promotion of technologies such as carbon capture as a way to clean up fossil fuel emissions.
When asked about the appearance of ExxonMobil CEO Darren W. Woods at the COP for the first time, Gore stated that the participation of the oil giant does not erase its history of resisting climate policies.
Gore said: “It should not be taken seriously. He is protecting his profits and prioritizing them above the survival of human civilization.”
ExxonMobil declined to comment.
Call for Agreement on Phasing Out Fossil Fuels
Gore urged delegates to agree on language in the final text issued by the summit to phase out fossil fuels without caveats or references to carbon capture technology.
Gore stated: “The current state of carbon capture technology and direct air capture is a research project. There has been no cost reduction for 50 years, and there is a claim from fossil fuel companies that it is easily available and economical technology.”
Coverage: Valérie Volcovici; Editing: Will Dunham
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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