UAE’s Sultan Al-Jaber COP28 leader: ‘Fight climate change, not each other’

UAE’s Sultan Al-Jaber COP28 leader: ‘Fight climate change, not each other’

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates’ pick to lead the upcoming COP28 climate talks in Dubai called on the world Tuesday to “fight climate change, not each other,” directly addressing angry activists. Sultan Al-Jaber, the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., also described the upcoming United Nations negotiations as an “unprecedented opportunity to engage the energy industry in a technological revolution.” His speech at the World Government Summit in Dubai sought to present his nominated presidency as a bridge between oil companies and climate activists long suspicious of the industry’s influence on efforts to limit carbon emissions. Whether it will, however, remains in question. “We need a major course correction,” Al-Jaber said. However, he added: “The strategies we pursue must leave no one behind. The policies we adopt must be pro-growth and pro-climate at the same time.” Al-Jaber, a 49-year-old longtime climate envoy, is a trusted confidant of UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He’s been behind billions in investments in renewable energy. US climate envoy John Kerry and France’s finance minister both have backed his selection by the UAE, a key Mideast ally. “There are moments in history when humanity comes together to fight a common threat.