Controversial Comments on Fossil Fuel Phase-Out at COP28 Spark Outrage

The president of Cop28, Sultan Al Jaber, has stated that there is "no science" supporting the need to phase out fossil fuels to limit global heating to 1.5C, a claim that has been criticized by scientists and is at odds with the position of the UN secretary general. Al Jaber's comments were made during an online event and have raised concerns about his conflict of interest as the CEO of the United Arab Emirates' state oil company. The phase-out of fossil fuels is a contentious issue at Cop28, with over 100 countries supporting it, while others reject the call. The outcome of the summit may hinge on whether the final agreement includes a phase-out or weaker language such as "phase-down."