Top Posts
Death toll from Mokwa flood rises to 153
Scientists say nearly 40% of the world’s glaciers...
Nigerian government seeks alignment of NDC climate action...
German court dismisses climate case against RWE
WHO Climate Change action plan approved
Report: World likely to breach 1.5°C limit in...
At Bonn climate talks, Brazil demands early deals...
Researchers warn Africa could face 113 million climate...
LAPO MfB launches tree-planting initiative to fight climate...
Stiell says new NDCs are about growth, antidote...
EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World
World

Kerry backs UAE oil chief as COP28 president

by Segun Ogunlade January 16, 2023
written by Segun Ogunlade January 16, 2023
450

The United Arab Emirates’ decision to appoint the CEO of a state-run oil company to preside over the upcoming U.N. climate negotiations in Dubai, has been backed by the U.S. climate envoy John Kerry, who also cited his work on renewable energy projects.

Sultan al-Jaber’s appointment has been criticized by activists who equated it to asking “arms dealers to lead peace talks” but Kerry dismissed the idea that Sultan al-Jaber’s appointment should be automatically disqualified because he is the leading the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.

“I think that Dr. Sultan al-Jaber is a terrific choice because he is the head of the company. That company knows it needs to transition,” Kerry said after attending an energy conference in the Emirati capital. “He knows — and the leadership of the UAE is committed to transitioning.”

Read also:FG inaugurates Nguru ecological intervention committee

Kerry alluded to a speech given by al-Jaber on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, where he called for the upcoming COP28 to move from goals to getting it done across mitigation, adaptation, finance and loss and damage and also urged the world to be honest about the progress made, and how much further and faster the world needs to go.

“He made it absolutely clear we’re not moving fast enough. We have to reduce emissions. We have to begin to accelerate this transition significantly. So, I have great confidence that the right issues are going to be on the table, that they’re going to respond to them and lead countries to recognize their responsibility,” Kerry told reporters from AP in an interview on Sunday.
Skepticism over al-Jaber’s appointment was fuelled by how calls by countries, including India and the United States, for a phase down of oil and natural gas never reached a public discussion during COP27 in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in November and activists worry that COP being held in a Mideast nation reliant on fossil fuel sales for a second year in a row could see something similar happen in the Emirates.

Asked about that fear, Kerry said: “I don’t believe UAE was involved in changing that.”

“There’s going to be a level of scrutiny — and and I think that’s going to be very constructive,” the former U.S. senator and 2004 presidential contender said. “It’s going to help people, you know, stay on the line here.”

“I think this is a time, a new time of accountability,” he added.

Story was adapted from AP.

ChiefCOP28KerryPresidentSupportUAE
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
admineconai

previous post
FG inaugurates Nguru ecological intervention committee
next post
Met Office issues fresh snow, ice warnings in parts of UK

Related Posts

Scientists say nearly 40% of the world’s glaciers...

June 3, 2025

German court dismisses climate case against RWE

May 28, 2025

WHO Climate Change action plan approved

May 28, 2025

Report: World likely to breach 1.5°C limit in...

May 28, 2025

At Bonn climate talks, Brazil demands early deals...

May 23, 2025

Guterres raises alarm over rapid Himalayan glacier melt

May 17, 2025

Study shows two-thirds of global warming caused by...

May 8, 2025

Weather expert warns climate change to hit agriculture...

May 5, 2025

Trump dismisses authors of major climate report

April 30, 2025

New UN report shows Indigenous Peoples sidelined in...

April 25, 2025

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Bloglovin
  • Vimeo

@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Eco-Nai+

EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World