Arab Group opposes fossil fuel phase-out at COP29 climate summit

The 22-nation Arab Group, led by Saudi Arabia, has opposed any United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) agreement that targets fossil fuels, according to The New Arab. 

Saudi representative Albara Tawfiq stated that the bloc would reject any language singling out fossil fuels in the climate negotiations held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The talks, focused on climate finance for developing nations, have reignited debates over transitioning from fossil fuels.

Developed nations and climate-vulnerable countries are urging the Dubai commitment to be reaffirmed. Tina Stege, the Marshall Islands’ climate envoy, criticized any retreat from these pledges amid worsening global climate impacts.

Adding to the discord, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev defended his nation’s oil and gas industry, condemning Western criticism as a “campaign of slander and blackmail.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres countered, describing reliance on fossil fuels as an “absurd strategy.”