Controversy erupted at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai over recent comments by its president, Sultan Al Jaber, claiming there is "no science" necessitating a phase-out of fossil fuels to meet the 1.5°C warming limit under the Paris Agreement.
Al Jaber, who heads the UAE's state-owned oil company while serving as the country's climate envoy, made the remarks when pressed if he would lead on ending fossil fuel use. He responded that no scenarios show phasing out oil, gas and coal is needed to achieve 1.5°C.
The comments, captured on video, sparked alarm among climate scientists and advocates. Researchers highlighted IPCC models that unanimously signal rapid fossil fuel reductions are vital to plausible 1.5°C pathways. Some called Al Jaber's statements "science-denying" and questioned his aptitude to lead talks.
Walking back the reaction, Al Jaber convened a surprise press conference to strongly reaffirm his climate science commitment and inevitability of phasing down fossil fuels. However, when directly asked Monday if he supported ending fossil fuels to limit warming, Al Jaber sidestepped the question.
The backlash spotlights contention around ambitious climate action even on the COP stage. With the summit meant to assess progress, the mixed messaging from its president fosters doubt over the capacity for breakthroughs in Dubai. But despite the early friction, Al Jaber maintains firms resolve to keep 1.5°C alive.