UAE's Climate Image Woes at COP28

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has spent millions of dollars on public relations and lobbying campaigns to present itself as an environmental leader ahead of hosting the United Nations' next climate talks in November. However, the UAE's efforts have been met with criticism from lawmakers and environmentalists who question the oil-rich nation's commitment to reducing fossil fuel use. The UAE has signed and terminated long-term contracts with strategic communications firms and offered high salaries to veteran PR executives to assist with the effort. The country has pledged to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by midcentury but is also investing over $100 billion to increase its oil production by nearly 1 million barrels per day over the next four years.