Host UAE offered to discuss new oil deals in private at COP28, leaked documents suggest

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the host of the upcoming COP28 climate summit, is at the epicenter of a critical and complex dialogue on global climate action. Recent revelations have brought to light the UAE's strategic approach to leveraging this platform, not only to advance environmental discussions but also to explore new oil and gas ventures. This intricate blend of climate stewardship and energy diplomacy, as exposed in documents obtained by the BBC and others, raises significant questions about the balance between economic interests and environmental imperatives in the context of international climate negotiations. 

The UAE, led by Dr. Sultan al-Jaber, the appointed president of COP28 and head of the state oil company, ADNOC, presents a unique case of intertwined roles. As one of the world's major oil producers, the UAE's position at the helm of COP28 is scrutinized for potential conflicts between its economic interests in fossil fuels and its responsibilities in steering global climate action. The COP28 summit, scheduled to commence on November 30, is anticipated to draw world leaders and influential figures, including the Pope and King Charles III, to address the urgent need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C, as outlined by the UN's climate science body. 

Leaked briefing documents prepared by the UAE's COP28 team have revealed plans to discuss fossil fuel deals with over a dozen nations. These documents, which include proposed talking points for meetings with foreign governments, suggest an active pursuit of oil and gas project collaborations, even as the UAE positions itself as a proponent of climate action. While the UAE team did not explicitly deny these discussions, they emphasized their commitment to "meaningful climate action." This nuanced stance reflects the complex interplay between national economic interests and global environmental responsibilities. 

The UAE's approach, as illuminated by the leaked documents, has sparked debate over the ethical implications of using a UN climate summit platform for potential economic gains. Critics argue that such actions undermine the impartiality expected of COP presidents, a principle emphasized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This principle demands that COP leaders act without bias, self-interest, or compromise to their roles as stewards of global climate initiatives. International reactions have ranged from concern to outright criticism, with some experts and environmental groups questioning the integrity of the COP process under these circumstances. 

The UAE's strategy, as evidenced in the documents, appears to be two-fold: advancing its renewable energy interests through Masdar, the state renewable energy company, and simultaneously exploring new fossil fuel opportunities. This approach suggests a broader vision of energy transition, where the UAE seeks to maintain its status as a key energy player while gradually shifting towards more sustainable practices. This dual approach, however, raises questions about the pace and sincerity of the UAE's transition towards renewables, especially in light of the International Energy Agency's recommendation against new oil and gas developments to meet the 1.5C target. 

The challenge for the UAE, and by extension, the global community, lies in navigating this dual mandate of economic development and environmental stewardship. The UAE's strategy at COP28 exemplifies the broader dilemma faced by many oil-dependent nations: balancing the immediate economic benefits of fossil fuels with the long-term imperative of climate action. This situation calls for a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in transitioning to a low-carbon economy, especially for countries heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues. 

As the COP28 summit approaches, the world watches how the UAE will reconcile its roles as both a key player in the global oil market and a leader in international climate negotiations. The success of the summit, and by extension, the UAE's leadership, will ultimately be judged by the outcomes and commitments made to address the pressing challenge of climate change. The revelations from the leaked documents serve as a stark reminder of the intricate and often conflicting interests at play in global climate diplomacy, underscoring the need for transparency, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the global environmental agenda.