Sultan Al Jaber’s stance against a fossil fuel phase-out challenges global climate goals, drawing criticism from experts.

Sultan Al Jaber, president of Cop28 and CEO of the UAE’s national oil company, Adnoc, has dismissed calls for a phase-out of fossil fuels, stating that there is no scientific basis for such a move in order to keep global warming below 1.5°C. In a heated exchange during a live online event on November 21, Al Jaber claimed that eliminating fossil fuels would not support sustainable growth and could push the world into a pre-industrial state.

His remarks have provoked strong reactions from the scientific community, with many experts describing them as deeply troubling and bordering on climate denial. Al Jaber’s views directly conflict with those of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who has called for urgent fossil fuel reductions to avoid catastrophic climate consequences.

As the head of both the UAE’s oil giant and the global climate summit, Al Jaber’s dual roles have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest. The issue of phasing out or merely “phasing down” fossil fuels is one of the most contentious points at Cop28. Over 100 countries are pushing for a clear commitment to a phase-out, arguing that this is crucial to reducing emissions and addressing the climate crisis.

The final position on this issue will likely shape the legacy of Cop28, influencing global climate policy and future efforts to limit the impacts of climate change.