Fossil fuel phaseout: COP28 chief says 'we respect' climate science

President of the COP28 summit Sultan Al Jaber on Monday said he respected the science around the climate crisis and that there were attempts to undermine the work of the UAE as this year's conference host, seeking to clarify remarks from a day before that many saw as having undermined consensus around the need to cut back the use of fossil fuels.

- Jayashree Nandi

The strategy of the Presidency to keep the 1.5°C goal alive was guided by science, Jaber said at a press conference in Dubai, a day after The Guardian reported that he questioned the scientific basis for calls to phase out fossil fuels.

"I honestly think there is some confusion, misinterpretation and misrepresentation. Let me introduce myself to you. I am an engineer and an economist by background... it is my conviction in science and my passion for science that has enabled me to progress in my career. Science has been central to progress in my career. I respect and trust numbers and figures. Science has guided my life," Jaber, who is also the group chief executive officer of state oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Corporation (ADNOC), said.