European Leaders Condemn OPEC’s Opposition to Fossil Fuels Phase-Out at COP28
Leaders from Germany, Spain, and France expressed strong condemnation on Saturday in response to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) urging its members to oppose any fossil fuels deal at COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai. OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais sent a letter to the group’s members, urging them to reject any text or formula targeting fossil fuels instead of emissions.
Germany’s climate envoy, Jennifer Morgan, emphasized the potential impact on vulnerable countries and small islands facing sea-level rises. She called the OPEC letter deeply concerning and criticized what she perceived as worrying tactics by Arab groups at the conference.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noted the resistance of oil and gas-dependent countries to major efforts in combating climate change. Baerbock emphasized the challenge of transitioning away from the fossil fuel world, particularly when geopolitical importance and power politics remain influential in certain nations.
French Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher and Spanish Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera both expressed anger and dismay at OPEC’s position, with Pannier-Runacher stating that OPEC’s stance endangers the most vulnerable countries and populations. Ribera called OPEC’s push against the fossil fuels phase-out “disgusting” and emphasized the need for a clear, bold outcome aligned with a majority of conference parties.
COP28 Director General Majid al-Suwaidi downplayed the OPEC letter, expressing confidence in achieving a good result through ongoing negotiations. Protests at the conference center in Dubai were set to intensify on the “Global Day of Action,” urging countries to take more decisive action on climate change.
This development underscores the growing tensions and differing perspectives among nations at COP28, particularly regarding the transition away from fossil fuels and the role of major oil-producing countries.
