Concerns Raised Over Summit’s Transparency and Fairness
Saudi Arabia is under fire for allegedly modifying a critical Cop29 negotiating document, sparking concerns about the summit’s transparency and impartiality. These texts are traditionally shared in a non-editable PDF format to ensure equal access and prevent tampering. Allowing one nation to make changes, experts caution, could undermine the summit’s legitimacy.
The accusations point to Basel Alsubaity, a Saudi representative from the Ministry of Energy, who reportedly made edits to the text concerning the just transition work program (JTWP). This program aims to guide nations in adopting cleaner energy systems while addressing social disparities. Critics claim that no other countries were consulted or permitted to amend the document.
Key Edits to Crucial Climate Provisions
The Azerbaijani presidency distributed the revised JTWP document on Saturday, including tracked changes—an unusual departure from standard practice. Two of the edits, attributed to Alsubaity, involved the removal of a clause urging nations to align their energy transition strategies with the global stocktake outcomes and the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The removal has sparked widespread disapproval. Catherine Abreu, director of the International Climate Politics Hub, called the deviation from established procedures alarming, noting that allowing a known opponent of fossil fuel reductions to alter the text damages the credibility of the negotiations.
Mounting Frustrations at Cop29
The controversy adds to existing tensions at Cop29, where the influence of oil-dependent nations has drawn criticism. On Saturday, two influential groups—the Alliance of Small Island States and the Least Developed Countries—walked out of a critical meeting, alleging that they were being sidelined by the presidency.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, addressing the summit prior to the revelations, denounced the dominance of fossil fuel-rich nations, describing it as a “geopolitical power move” that disproportionately disadvantages vulnerable countries. She emphasized the need to prioritize the interests of smaller, at-risk nations over those of wealthy fossil fuel exporters.
Saudi Arabia’s Reputation for Climate Obstruction
This incident adds to Saudi Arabia’s reputation for resisting progress in climate negotiations. A 2023 report by the Climate Social Science Network highlighted the nation’s decades-long strategy of delaying climate action to protect its oil and gas interests. Despite experiencing severe environmental challenges, such as rising temperatures and depleting water resources, the country remains steadfast in defending its fossil fuel sector.
The ongoing allegations have raised fresh doubts about the fairness of the Cop29 process. Advocates warn that Saudi Arabia’s actions could derail crucial progress and stress the need for stricter oversight to ensure a level playing field in climate talks.
No Official Response Yet
As of now, the Cop29 presidency, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Saudi Arabia’s delegation have yet to address the allegations. With the summit still underway, calls are intensifying for greater transparency and accountability in the negotiations.
