Embracing All Stakeholders: The Imperative for an Inclusive Worldwide Climate Pact

As the world grapples with the colossal challenge of climate change, it is increasingly clear that this global crisis necessitates a global solution. We have no room for division, and we cannot afford to ignore any stakeholder, however controversial their role may be. In an unexpected move, the U.N. Climate Change Conference has selected Sultan Al Jaber, a seasoned oil executive, to preside over COP28. This choice, far from a setback, could be a pivotal moment in our collective fight against climate change.

Sultan Al Jaber is not an ordinary oil executive. Aside from managing the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, he is the chairman of Masdar, one of the world’s largest investors in renewable energy1. Masdar, under his leadership, aims to expand its clean energy production to an impressive 100 GW by 20302. It is this unique combination of experience in the fossil fuel and renewable energy sectors that makes Al Jaber’s appointment so strategic.

Critics argue that placing an oil executive at the helm of climate negotiations is akin to setting a fox to guard the henhouse. However, such an argument oversimplifies the realities of the energy sector and the transition that lies ahead. As MIT’s “The Future of Energy Transition” report illustrates, the energy transition is a complex, multi-faceted process3. Who better to understand and navigate this intricate landscape than someone like Al Jaber, who has a foot in both worlds?

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, a field in which Al Jaber is well-versed, is a case in point. While some see CCS as a delay tactic by the fossil fuel industry, it is recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a crucial part of the solution4. Is it not then prudent to include voices in the conversation that understand and advocate for such technologies?

The UAE, despite being a major oil producer, has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050[^5^].

This demonstrates that the lines between oil nations and climate pioneers are not as stark as we might imagine. Holding COP28 in such a country and having a leader like Al Jaber can bridge these perceived divides and promote more effective cooperation.

Criticism regarding the lobbying presence of fossil fuel companies at climate conferences is valid. However, this underscores the need for dialogue and transparency. As president of COP28, Al Jaber has the opportunity to set a new precedent for clear, open communication about lobbying efforts and their influence on climate policy.

We need to redefine what it means to be a climate leader. It’s not just about ambitious targets and flashy green initiatives. It’s about having difficult conversations, bridging divides, and bringing everyone – including oil executives – to the table.

Sultan Al Jaber’s appointment is an acknowledgment of the complex realities of the climate crisis and the energy transition. It reminds us that if we are to beat this crisis, we need to move beyond divisive thinking and recognize the value of all stakeholders in the fight against climate change.

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