Climate activists are increasing their protests and criticism against the greater participation of oil companies in the main discussions on climate change in the world.
Activists accuse the oil giants of trying to “hijack the climate debate” at events such as the COPs (the world climate summits organized by the UN) and the World Economic Forum, whose edition this year begins this Monday ( 16).
Reacting to this, militants began to organize more frequent protests.
On Sunday (15) and this Monday (16) there were protests in Davos, Switzerland, where the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum traditionally takes place.
In the biggest one, a group of activists managed to block a jet airport used by participants arriving at the forum on Monday morning.
Activists accuse the “wealthy forum participants” of funding businesses that affect the climate and call for them to be held accountable for climate and ecological damage.
“We demand concrete and real climate action,” said Nicolas Siegrist, the organizer of Sunday’s protest. According to Siegrist, oil companies “will be in the same room with world leaders and will defend their interests”.
CEO of oil company to chair COP28
Last week, the government of the United Arab Emirates announced that Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi Oil Company, one of the largest oil companies in the world, will be the president of COP28, to take place in Dubai at the end of this year.
His nomination further infuriates activists and entities linked to the environment.
They saw Jaber’s choice as the most definitive proof that oil companies are increasingly trying to influence climate debates.
The UAE’s own candidacy to organize the climate summit had already caused controversy, as the country is one of the largest oil producers in the world.
World authorities and activists advocate a strong reduction in the use of fossil fuels worldwide, since oil is the main responsible for the emission of greenhouse gases, which cause global warming.
The oil and gas industry, however, says it needs to be part of discussions about the transition to cleaner energy, as fossil fuels will continue to play an important role in the world’s energy matrix.
Advisers to Al-Jaber said he had a “proactive role” in more than a dozen COPs and has experience in global negotiations.
His appointment, however, raises serious doubts about an almost inevitable conflict of interests between his professional activities and the decisions he will have to take at the climate summit.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
