World cannot ‘unplug’ existing energy system

World cannot ‘unplug’ existing energy system

RIYADH: The president of the upcoming COP28 climate talks in Dubai called on Sunday for governments to abandon “fantasies” such as hastily ditching existing energy infrastructure in pursuit of climate goals. “We cannot unplug the energy system of today before we build the new system of tomorrow. It is simply not practical or possible,” Sultan Al-Jaber said during the opening session of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Climate Week, a UN-organized conference hosted in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

“We must separate facts from fiction, reality from fantasies, impact from ideology, and we must ensure that we avoid the traps of division and distraction.” A week dedicated to climate change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is imperative given the magnitude of the matter, Kuwait’s oil minister said on Sunday, hailing the initiative as beneficial towards regional climate change goals. The initiative comes ahead of COP28, Dr Saad Al-Barrak, who doubles as Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs, told KUNA, saying the gathering allows participants a chance to “sort out their priorities” in the runup to the global event.

Much of international climate diplomacy revolves around the thorny issue of how and when to quit fossil fuels.