San Francisco Frontiers - Saudis, Iraq stand firm as COP28 targets fossil fuels

With less than 48 hours left before the conference's official end, COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber invited ministers to give their views in a "majlis" -- a traditional Gulf Arab meeting held in a circle.

While Jaber called the meeting in an effort to produce a compromise, warning that "failure is not an option", countries held firm in their positions.

The European Union and members of Pacific islands states threatened by rising seas reiterated their calls for a phase-out of fossil fuels.

Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, has voiced its opposition to any phase-out or phase-down of fossil fuels and OPEC has urged its members to block any such language at COP28.

A Saudi official told the COP28 majlis that Riyadh's "perspectives and concerns" must be taken into account.

"The politically backed points about targeting specific energy sectors, it's something that we have heard at many different discussions and many different settings, but in each and every time, science, common sense, principles prevailed," he added.

An Iraqi representative was more direct, saying his country was against any "mention (of) global sectorial targets" including a phase-out or phase-down of fossil fuels.

Scientists say the world must end its use of fossil fuels, which are responsible for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions, if it is to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the most catastrophic climate scenarios.

A third draft of a deal, released on Friday, offers various ways to phase out fossil fuels but also includes the option to avoid the issue entirely.

- 'A marathon' -

Developing countries say they cannot be expected to move at the same pace as developed nations who owe their wealth to the burning of oil, gas and coal.

At the majlis, China's representative said climate action was a "marathon, not a sprint".

He said developed nations are ahead of the pack and should help developing countries by providing the funds needed for their energy transitions.

Bolivia denounced the "hypocrisy" of countries that press the developing world on climate change while expanding their own production of fossil fuels. He named the United States, Canada, Norway and Australia.

Standing in the middle of the circle, Jaber closed the meeting by urging countries to make the event be known as a "change-makers majlis".

"We are now in the endgame," he said. "To deliver the very balanced, ambitious outcome we need, we need you to act as the change-makers.

He added: "I hope that you won't let me down."

- 'Blockers at every stage' -

Alden Meyer, senior associate at E3G climate think-tank, said Saudi Arabia has been "blockers" at every COP for over 30 years.

Meyer said it is not "compromise language" in a deal that will sway the Saudis.

"It's going to be immense geopolitical pressure from the US, China, Europe and others saying, 'Don't be the last ones that blow up the success of this Conference of the Parties meeting,'" he said.

A strong final agreement also depends on wealthier nations pledging to provide financial help so that emerging nations can install more solar and wind technology and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"This is why we need a package that combines energy transition and energy access," said Germany's climate envoy Jennifer Morgan.

- Pope prayers -

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres kept up the pressure, urging delegates to agree big cuts to emissions and calling on oil and gas companies to lead the energy transition.

"I urge fossil fuel companies to use their enormous resources to lead the renewables revolution," he told the Doha Forum in Qatar.

"And I urge global leaders at COP28 in Dubai to agree on deep cuts to emissions in line with 1.5 degrees."

At St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, Pope Francis, who missed COP28 following a bout of bronchitis, instructed his followers to pray for a good outcome in Dubai.

"I ask you to pray for us to have good results to safeguard our common home and protect populations," he said during his weekly public prayers.

S.Jackson--SFF