To lots of people, Dubai might sound a doubtful selection for a local weather summit.
It owes its very existence to grease cash. Not to say energy-hungry air con. Temperatures can attain 50C (122F) within the desert in summer time.
It’s one thing that would assist focus the minds of delegates from 198 international locations as they arrive within the United Arab Emirates for COP28.
This yr’s COP president, Dr Sultan, who can be head of the state oil firm ADNOC, desires them to give attention to one thing else: the UAE as a frontrunner within the transition to low-carbon power.
The small confederation of Arab monarchies is among the world’s largest oil and fuel producers however has been spending a great chunk of that wealth on clear power.
By one estimate it is invested round $200bn (£157bn) globally in photo voltaic, wind and different renewable power initiatives.
At dwelling, Abu Dhabi’s state-owned renewable firm Masdar has simply accomplished the biggest single-site photo voltaic plant on the earth.
ADNOC has introduced ahead its pledge to succeed in net-zero emissions to 2045 – not from the oil and fuel it produces – however the power it expends extracting and delivery it to clients.
But, earlier than the worldwide local weather talks had even begun, Dr Sultan was compelled to answer stories that, as hosts, they had been planning to make use of a summit about chopping emissions to chop offers with different oil producers.
That could possibly be dismissed as “false” and “untrue”. What is tougher for the UAE to disclaim is that its important funding in renewables is dwarfed by its spending on oil and fuel.
“The reality is the world needs energy,” mentioned Mussabeh al Kaabi, director of low-carbon options at ADNOC.
A dedication to phasing out fossil fuels – a key ask of lots of the 198 nations represented at COP – is not up for dialogue.
“If you look at the energy demand growth from now until 2050, you’re talking about 20% minimum additional demand,” he mentioned.
“The issue now is how do we achieve these 2050 targets of net zero with a more practical, pragmatic way,”
Pragmatism at COP is required. A reality not typically mentioned amongst environmentalists is that 80% of the world’s power nonetheless comes from fossil fuels – and emissions are the best they’ve ever been.
That, regardless of 28 years of local weather summits.
One cause for the dearth of progress is fossil fuel-dependent economies have constantly blocked it.
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As hosts of COP, the UAE, which is allied with many main oil producers, might assist affect them: Around the local weather science that informs the local weather summit course of and requires net-zero emissions by 2050, for instance.
“I strongly believe that they can be met,” says Mussabeh al Kaabi.
“Let’s not underestimate human innovation. When we come together, we act. Let’s not underestimate when there is a clear and present danger.”
Stark language from an oil government. But till emissions begin falling, and falling quick, the hazard is rising.
The UAE desires to make use of its presidency to inject pragmatism into the local weather talks, however except it may possibly help the decision to section out fossil fuels – in addition to speed up clear power – it is arduous to see how COP28 may be known as a hit.
Source: information.sky.com”