In a letter dated Wednesday and seen by Reuters on Friday, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais has urged OPEC+ members to reject proposals targeting fossil fuels instead of emissions in the ongoing COP28 climate summit. The language surrounding the future of fossil fuels remains a contentious issue at the United Nations summit hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
The letter, confirmed by three sources, references a draft of the COP28 text under negotiation published by the U.N. climate body on Tuesday, with a new draft released on Friday. The revised deal includes options ranging from a “phase out of fossil fuels in line with best available science” to phasing out “unabated fossil fuels” or containing no language on them at all.
In the letter, Ghais expressed concern that pressure against fossil fuels may have irreversible consequences and urged COP28 delegations to reject any text targeting energy, specifically fossil fuels, rather than emissions.
OPEC, in a statement to Reuters, mentioned it does not comment on official communication with member countries but continues to provide advice to its partners.
OPEC members, with positions largely opposing strong language on phasing out fossil fuels, have faced calls for a more realistic energy transition. The UAE, an OPEC member and host of COP28, along with other Gulf energy producers, advocates for a transition where fossil fuels maintain a role in securing energy supplies while industries decarbonize.
The letter emphasized that politically motivated campaigns should not jeopardize the prosperity and future of OPEC member countries.
As countries focus on language around fossil fuels in the coming days, the goal is to reach a consensus before the summit concludes on December 12. The inclusion of options calling for the phaseout of all fossil fuels in the critical decade received mixed reactions, with concerns raised about potential loopholes in the energy package.
In response to questions about the letter, Ghais stated that OPEC would continue advocating for reducing emissions without favoring specific energy sources. He emphasized the need for major investments in all energies and technologies, including hydrocarbons, considering the energy needs of all peoples.
Observers, such as Nikki Reisch from the Center for International Environmental Law, noted the positive step in addressing the phaseout of fossil fuels but raised concerns about language promoting risky carbon capture and removal technologies.
Li Shuo from the Asia Society Policy Institute commented on the new draft COP28 agreement, suggesting it marks the “beginning of the end,” noting the adjustments aimed at filling the gap in the middle of the political spectrum.
