COP28: Resignation, Pledges, Skepticism, and Irony

A member of the advisory board for the COP28 climate summit, Hilda Heine, has resigned over reports that the UAE presidency planned to use the meeting to secure oil and gas deals. Heine, former president of the Marshall Islands, expressed disappointment and stated that such actions undermine the integrity of the COP presidency and the negotiation process. She called on COP President Sultan al-Jaber to demonstrate commitment to phasing out fossil fuels. The COP28 presidency expressed extreme disappointment with Heine's resignation and highlighted the adoption of a fund to support vulnerable island states and those affected by climate impacts.