The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai has been a focal point of global climate discussions, with a record number of fossil fuel lobbyists in attendance, outnumbering every country delegation apart from Brazil and the host country. The presence of these lobbyists has raised concerns about the industry's influence over the summit.
The United States, represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighted its climate leadership at the summit, emphasizing initiatives to cut emissions and invest in renewable energy. The Vice President mentioned the $400 billion in climate subsidies provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and announced a $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund. The United States also unveiled new measures to curb methane emissions from oil and gas operations.
In a significant move, around 100 countries pledged to triple world renewable energy use by 2030. Additionally, 50 oil and gas companies, including Saudi giant Aramco, pledged to stop adding to planet-warming gases by 2050. However, these pledges have been met with skepticism. Critics argue that the focus should be on phasing out oil, gas, and coal, rather than making promises that may not be fulfilled.
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore criticized the president of the climate talks and the oil companies' emissions pledges. He questioned the accuracy of self-reported emissions from the oil and gas industry and highlighted the conflict of interest of the president of the talks, who is also the president of the national oil company of the host nation.
Despite the criticisms and controversies, the COP28 summit has brought the issue of climate change to the forefront of global discussions, with countries and companies making pledges to reduce emissions and invest in renewable energy. The effectiveness of these pledges and their impact on global warming will be seen in the years to come.