ECO, like a seasoned librarian with shelves of climate tales, remembers everything since its debut in 1972 and the star-studded premiere of the UNFCCC at the 1992 Rio conference. In this long-running saga, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has often been cast as the offender, notorious for weaving webs of misinformation, blocking the path to climate progress, and championing the unrestricted use of fossil fuels, especially oil. Holding 20% of the world’s oil reserves, KSA’s role was akin to a dragon hoarding its treasure, with their use threatening our collective carbon budget for the 1.5°C target.
Fast forward to 2019, at COP in Madrid, the scene was set for a climactic moment with the IPCC’s groundbreaking 1.5°C report. However, KSA, ever the skeptic, dismissed this critical scientific script as merely a “gentleman’s agreement,” undermining its foundation in climate negotiations. With a history of amplifying CO2 emissions from 10 to 18 tons per capita between 1998 and 2022, KSA’s stance has been a continual challenge to the chorus of scientific consensus – a narrative ECO has diligently documented over the decades.
Today, KSA is opposing any language on phasing out or phasing down of fossil fuels, and is not among the now 123 countries to support tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 worldwide.
Saudi Arabia, wearing the garb of the Arab group’s leader, finds itself in a role that could either steal the show or drop the curtain on the UAE’s ambitious plot. Backed by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the UAE’s clear and simple goal involves a dramatic twist – phasing down fossil fuel in line with the 1.5°C target within this decade. It’s like choosing between sticking to an old classic or embracing a new blockbuster.
Now, picture the Arab nations as the audience, each with a popcorn tub of possibilities. They’re at a crossroads: to follow the UAE’s lead, akin to opting for a 3D IMAX experience, or let Saudi Arabia keep showing the films in black and white. This choice isn’t just about box office hits; it’s about their own backyards. Many Arab countries, like actors ready for a role change, have the potential to shift from fossil fuel drama to a renewable energy rom-com, offering energy security and a happy ending for the region and the world.
But here’s the cliffhanger: Will Saudi Arabia keep playing the role of the ambitious dream’s antagonist, or will it join the main cast in a commitment to phase out fossil fuels by mid-century? This is crucial because the Arab world isn’t just watching this show; they’re part of it. Their communities are on the front lines of climate change, vulnerable to its plot twists.
This COP could be the season finale where the MENA region decides to turn the script around. It’s an opportunity for Arab countries to walk in the UAE’s innovative shoes, setting a high ambition that could make this episode a historical hit – not just for the region, but for the global audience. It’s about making a choice that could turn a climate tragedy into a story of success.