Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest exporter of oil, is facing increasing pressure to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels in order to combat climate change. However, recent reports suggest that the kingdom is actively working to undermine a global pledge to phase out fossil fuels.
The pledge in question is the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which calls on countries to commit to phasing out fossil fuel production and use in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The treaty was first proposed by a coalition of countries, including the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Fiji, and France, in an effort to address the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, Saudi Arabia has reportedly been lobbying against the treaty, arguing that it would be detrimental to the kingdom’s economy. Saudi Arabia is heavily dependent on oil revenues, with oil accounting for around 87% of the country’s total exports and 42% of its GDP. As a result, the kingdom has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and continuing to produce and export fossil fuels.
In addition to lobbying against the treaty, Saudi Arabia has also been accused of engaging in greenwashing tactics to portray itself as a leader in the fight against climate change. The kingdom has announced plans to invest in renewable energy projects and has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. However, critics argue that these efforts are merely a distraction from the kingdom’s continued reliance on fossil fuels.
The Saudi government has defended its position, arguing that it is unrealistic to expect countries to completely phase out fossil fuels in the near future. Saudi officials have also pointed to the kingdom’s investments in renewable energy as evidence of its commitment to addressing climate change.
Despite these arguments, the pressure on Saudi Arabia to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels is only likely to increase in the coming years. The International Energy Agency has called for an immediate end to new oil and gas exploration projects in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In addition, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow later this year is expected to put further pressure on countries to take ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As one of the world’s largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia has a crucial role to play in the global effort to combat climate change. The kingdom must now decide whether to continue prioritizing its economic interests or to take meaningful action to reduce its carbon footprint. Ultimately, the fate of the planet may depend on the choices that Saudi Arabia and other fossil fuel-producing countries make in the coming years.