Iraq backs Saudi Arabia against a fossil fuel exit in COP28 talks
In a contentious turn of events at COP28 talks in Dubai, Iraq has aligned itself with Saudi Arabia in opposition to a fossil fuel exit, creating a schism within the Arab bloc.
While Saudi Arabia, a leading crude exporter, sought to avoid any mention of fossil fuels in the UN draft text, the Emirati president of COP28, Sultan Al Jaber, advocated for a historic accord addressing the future of oil, coal, and gas.
The split within the Arab nations is evident, with the UAE favoring a phasedown of fossil fuels due to its diverse economy, in contrast to the reliance of many Gulf states on hydrocarbons for economic sustenance. Notably, Riyadh, backed by OPEC members Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria, and Libya, vehemently opposes a fossil fuel exit. Qatar, a significant player in liquefied natural gas, emphasized the importance of energy security.
For Gulf states, the financial dependence on hydrocarbons remains a critical factor in their reluctance to endorse a transition away from fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia, despite facing significant climate challenges, prioritizes saving oil over climate preservation, according to experts.
While the UAE aims for a more diversified economy and seeks the prestige of successfully hosting COP28, smaller Arab nations without oil wealth find themselves at odds with the Saudi stance due to their environmental, agricultural, and health concerns exacerbated by climate change.
The Levant and Maghreb regions, grappling with the impact of global warming, face a dilemma as they balance their own interests against aligning with oil-producing countries. NGOs highlight the environmental challenges in countries like Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, urging a shift towards climate action.
As the negotiations reach a critical juncture, the leadership in the region remains a point of contention, with calls for stronger commitment to climate initiatives from Arab nations that do not rely on oil revenues. The complexities of economic dependencies and environmental imperatives underscore the challenges faced by the Arab bloc in reaching a unified stance at COP28.
