Sultan Al-Jaber, controversial COP28 president, is also the boss of Abu Dhabi's state oil company. Despite this, his work as founder of green energy giant Masdar is cited in his defense. Is he compromised or uniquely qualified? Interviews with those who know him shed light.
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Quick takeaways
Dr. Sultan Al-Jabbar's appointment as the President of COP 28 has sparked controversy due to his leadership of Abu Dhabi State Oil Company, Adnok, creating concerns over conflict of interest.
Supporters argue that Dr. Sultan Al-Jabbar's expertise in conventional energy, oil, and gas, as well as his background in climate diplomacy through Mazdar, make him uniquely qualified for the role.
Deep dives
Controversy Surrounding COP 28 Appointment
The appointment of Dr. Sultan Al-Jabbar, an oil boss, as the President of COP 28 Climate Change Conference has sparked controversy. Environmentalists express outrage, seeing his appointment as a conflict of interest due to his leadership of Abu Dhabi State Oil Company, Adnok. However, Al-Jabbar also chairs the renewable energy giant, Mazdar. Supporters argue that his expertise in conventional energy, oil, and gas, as well as his background in climate diplomacy, make him uniquely qualified for the role.
Importance of COP Meetings
COP meetings, such as the one where the landmark Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, play a crucial role in addressing climate change. These meetings bring governments together to limit emissions and make significant decisions. The appointment of the COP President, while typically not controversial, carries great responsibility. Laurent Dubiana, a France's former Climate Change Ambassador, emphasizes the significance of COP meetings and the need for effective leadership.
Criticism and Defense of Dr. Sultan Al-Jabbar's Appointment
Dr. Sultan Al-Jabbar's appointment has been met with criticism from climate change campaigners who view it as unacceptable to have an oil company head lead the climate talks. The anger stems from Adnok's plan to increase oil production capacity, despite Al-Jabbar's involvement in renewable energy through Mazdar. Some argue that Al-Jabbar's extensive experience and global track record in clean energy and clean energy diplomacy make him a suitable candidate, while others question the potential conflict of interest.