Hopes for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels were dampened at COP28, as the summit’s president, Sultan al Jaber, questioned the scientific consensus on the matter.

In a heated online question-and-answer session, al Jaber, who is also the chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), challenged the notion that phasing out fossil fuels is the only way to achieve the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit set by the Paris Agreement.

“There is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says the phase-out of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5C,” al Jaber asserted.

His comments sparked outrage among climate scientists and campaign groups, who maintain that phasing out fossil fuels is essential to avert the worst impacts of climate change.

“The 1.5C limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce. Not abate,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres had said at the summit.

Despite the controversy, al Jaber insisted that a transition away from fossil fuels is inevitable and that he is committed to working with parties to deliver a plan that will minimize disruption.

However, his stance has raised concerns about the UAE’s intentions for COP28, with some critics suggesting that the country is more interested in promoting its own oil and gas interests than in addressing the climate crisis.

Bangladesh: A Victim of Fossil Fuels

The city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, is one of the world’s most polluted cities, a direct consequence of its heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

Climate experts have long advocated for a shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to combat air pollution and safeguard public health.

Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, Director of the Center for Energy Research at the United International University, believes that Bangladesh could derive 40 percent of its total energy from renewable sources by 2041, but more research and investment are needed to achieve this goal.

Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, founding chairman of the Center for Atmospheric Pollution, emphasizes the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, stressing that clean air is a fundamental right that Dhaka’s citizens are currently denied.

Sharif Jamil, the coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, underscores the importance of renewable energy for both energy security and environmental protection.

Fossil Fuel-Affected Nations Left Disappointed

Fossil fuel-dependent countries like Bangladesh had hoped for concrete commitments to a fossil fuel phase-out at COP28. However, al Jaber’s comments have left them feeling disappointed and uncertain about the future.

The lack of progress on this crucial issue highlights the challenges ahead in achieving the Paris Agreement’s ambitious goals.

(Climate Journalist)