By Faridat Salifu
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting (OPEC) has emphasized that achieving a sustainable energy future requires realistic approaches addressing emissions while fostering economic growth, eradicating poverty, and increasing resilience simultaneously.
OPEC’s Secretary General, Haitham Al Ghais, made the emphasis on Saturday, stressing that there has been no “single solution” to the energy transition as pressure grows to agree on phase-out of fossil fuels at the COP28 climate talks.
Tensions had also arisen when the head of OPEC calls on members to oppose any COP28 agreement that targets fossil fuels, revealing deep divides among participating parties.
A new draft of the final agreement, released on December 8, 2023, presents a spectrum of options, ranging from advocating for “a phase-out of fossil fuels in line with best available science” to phasing out “unabated fossil fuels” or even omitting specific language regarding them altogether.
Al-Ghais urged OPEC members to reject any proposal targeting fossil fuels rather than emissions, cautioning against irreversible consequences should the current draft decision, which includes options on fossil fuels phase-out, be adopted.
Discussion on the issue of fossil fuels is expected to continue to take center stage as the nearly 200 nations gathered in Dubai work towards reaching a consensus before the conference concludes on December 12.
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The environment watchdog, 350.org, expressed concern over OPEC’s stance, highlighting the potential for maneuvers to delay the elimination of oil, gas, and coal, ensuring the continued profits of companies in the sector. The group stressed the importance of a COP28 final text explicitly calling for the phase-out of fossil fuels.
COP28 has drawn global attention, with 106 nations rallying for a rapid decline in fossil fuels. The discussions underscore a significant push for a just transition to a 100% renewable energy-powered future, positioning fossil fuel lobbyists as potential blockers of progress.
The spotlight now shines on the COP28’s Presidency and its role in brokering a deal for a just transition or aligning themselves with the oil industry, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, significant attention has been brought to Brazil’s participation in the OPEC+ group and its reluctance to commit to a fossil fuel phase-out at COP28.
However, amidst the disagreement, there is hope as the latest text signals progress toward an agreement on a fossil fuel phase-out. Notwithstanding, concerns arise over potential loopholes for the fossil fuel industry, setting the stage for a fierce debate in the coming days.
Amidst this dispute, the Director of Power Shift Africa highlighted the positive step in the text, acknowledging the options calling for the phasing out of fossil fuels in line with scientific recommendations and recognizing fairness in regard.
OPEC had also faced criticism over the Kuwaiti Secretary-General’s letter urging members to reject language targeting fossil fuels.
Negotiations at COP28 intensified with a focus on the fate of oil, gas, and coal to meet the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. OPEC’s push against a phase-out drew condemnation, with the High Ambition Coalition stressing the risk fossil fuels pose to global prosperity. Tina Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall Islands, asserted that 1.5 degrees is non-negotiable and demands an end to fossil fuels.
While a third draft deal presented options for phasing out fossil fuels, Saudi Arabia, traditionally resistant, expressed concerns in the OPEC letter about disproportionate pressure against them. Iraq supported OPEC’s stance against targeting fossil fuels, emphasizing cooperation on emissions reduction. In contrast, the United Arab Emirates, as COP28 host, acknowledged the inevitability of a phase-down, adopting a conciliatory tone throughout the negotiations.
