U.N. climate talks head says "no science" backs ending fossil fuels. That's incorrect
NPR Online NewsDec 04, 2023
COP28 Leader Says He Respects Climate Science After Controversy Over Phasing Out Fossil Fuels
Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
The Facts
Sultan al-Jaber, who is leading the UN’s COP28 climate conference, has pushed back against allegations that he does not respect climate science. This comes after the Emirati leader was quoted saying “there is no science” to suggest phasing out fossil fuels will achieve climate goals.
Al-Jaber reiterated his commitment to climate science at an impromptu news conference held Monday. The controversy stems from a story published by The Guardian on Sunday, citing Al Jaber's comments during the She Changes Climate panel event on Nov. 21 this year.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Sultan al-Jaber’s comments about phasing out fossil fuels clearly show why the chief executive of the UAE’s state-run oil company should not be the President of a global climate summit. Overwhelming scientific evidence shows that human use of fossil fuels directly impacts the Earth’s climate and is a leading cause of global warming. Abundant research also shows that keeping global warming within 1.5°C depends on the elimination of fossil fuels, yet al-Jaber still made his climate denial claims. A person with this platform should not be spreading such dangerous misinformation.
Establishment-critical narrative
The UAE leader has been clear that his comments about fossil fuels have been taken out of context. However, it is important to note that there is legitimate discourse concerning how much of an impact fossil fuels have on global warming in the context of different kinds of production and whether phasing out oil and gas too quickly could harm humanity. Such fuels are vital to maintaining a modern way of life, and elements of economies and societies could collapse if key energy sources are eliminated too rapidly without alternative infrastructures and updated business models in place. Simply tarring the use of fossil fuels as bad is an oversimplification that could hamper effective climate debate.
Nerd narrative
There's a 92% chance that there will be at least 2˚C of global warming by 2100, according to the Metaculus prediction community.