Cop28: Opec’s push to exclude mention of fossil fuels phase-out in deal prompts ‘disgusting’ reactions

At least 80 countries want a Cop28 deal that calls for an eventual end to fossil fuel use, including those worst hit by climate change

The head of Opec asks members to reject language targeting fossil fuels and instead calls for ‘inclusive’ energy transitions

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An oil and gas industry worker operates a drilling rig at a field in the Mangystau region, Kazakhstan on November 13. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:33pm, 9 Dec 2023Updated: 5:43pm, 9 Dec 2023

Opec members are pushing against attempts to include language on “phasing out” fossil fuels in a Cop28 climate deal, underlining the struggle over whether the summit can for the first time in 30 years address the future of oil and gas.

Negotiators and observers at the annual United Nations climate talks, pursuing a deal to tackle the worst impacts of climate change, said several Opec members appeared to have heeded calls by the oil producer group to veto any deal to phase out fossil fuels.

In a letter dated Wednesday, Opec Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais called on members to reject language targeting fossil fuels, saying “the undue and disproportionate pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible consequences”.

Al Ghais declined to comment on the letter but said Opec wanted to keep the focus of the talks on reducing emissions, as opposed to picking energy sources.

“The world requires major investments in all energies, including hydrocarbons,” he said. “Energy transitions must be just, fair and inclusive.”