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Oil states are pressing the panic button after a proposal to end the fossil fuel era gathered unprecedented support at the current United Nations climate talks, according to veteran overseers of the talks.
A push to “phase out” fossil fuels has gathered traction at COP28 in Dubai like never before in the nearly 30-year history of such talks.
But the push has deepened a chasm between at least 80 countries backing such a proposal, including vulnerable states like Samoa, and oil and gas producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia, as well as some developing economies.
The unprecedented support for a fossil fuel phase-out appeared to startle the powerful oil cartel OPEC, whose 13 members include Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Nigeria.
A letter from its head, urging members to reject language targeting fossil fuels, sent shockwaves through the COP28 summit when it was leaked last night.
The letter dated Wednesday 6 December, sent by Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais, said “the undue and disproportionate pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible consequences”.
Fossil fuels are responsible for about 75% of climate change but still provide around 80% of the world’s energy.
‘They’re scared’
The OPEC letter “indicates a whiff of panic,” said Alden Meyer, of thinktank E3G.
Former Ireland President Mary Robinson said: “They’re scared. I think they’re worried.”
Ms Robinson is now co-chair of the retired leaders group The Elders, and a prominent climate campaigner.
She said the fact OPEC is afraid “gives me hope”.
Tina Stege, climate envoy for the vulnerable Marshall Islands in the Pacific, which also chairs the High Ambition Coalition group of countries at the talks, said: “Nothing puts the prosperity and future of all people on earth, including all of the citizens of OPEC countries, at greater risk than fossil fuels… which are at the root of this crisis.”
The target to limit warming to 1.5C is “not negotiable, and that…
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