OPEC Secretary-General: Crude Oil and Natural Gas Are a Gift from God
In a bold statement at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al-Ghais emphasized that crude oil and natural gas are divine gifts. He urged global warming discussions to prioritize reducing emissions rather than debating energy sources.
Azerbaijan President Defends Oil and Gas Industry
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev echoed Al-Ghais’s sentiments by defending his country’s oil and gas industry as a blessing from God. He pushed back against Western critics during his opening address at the summit.
Focus on Emissions Reduction, Not Energy Sources
Al-Ghais emphasized that the key goal of the Paris Agreement is to reduce emissions, not to dictate energy choices. He suggested that governments can meet climate targets without completely abandoning petroleum.
Support for Fossil Fuels at COP29
Mohamed Hamel, secretary-general of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, advocated for fossil fuels at the conference. He highlighted the growing global demand for natural gas and the need to support cleaner technologies like carbon capture.
Urgent Climate Action Needed
Climate scientists warn that the world is approaching the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold for catastrophic climate impacts. Without immediate action, global warming could exceed 3.1 Celsius by the end of the century.