In a captivating revelation, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber, the designated president of COP28, unveiled a remarkable coalition of over 20 oil and gas juggernauts, resolutely responding to his impassioned plea to curtail carbon emissions. This extraordinary development materialized on the eve of a pivotal United Nations summit on climate change, setting the stage for transformative change within the energy industry.

Dr Al-Jaber, who also stands at the helm of the renowned United Arab Emirates-based oil giant ADNOC, has, throughout this year, been an ardent advocate for the energy sector’s active engagement in the battle against climate change. His visionary call to action has reverberated throughout the global energy landscape, challenging the status quo and galvanizing key players into action.

Addressing an esteemed audience at an oil and gas conference in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, Dr. Al-Jaber articulated his vision with eloquence. “We stand at a pivotal juncture, where we must orchestrate a holistic transformation of entire economies,” he proclaimed, his words echoing through the conference hall. He starkly illuminated the enormity of the challenge, noting that the current global consumption of the energy triumvirate—oil, gas, and coal—equates to a staggering 250 million barrels per day.

Dr. Al-Jaber’s speech transcended the conventional boundaries of industry rhetoric. He boldly confronted the shadows that have long loomed over the energy sector, acknowledging that it has often been perceived as a reluctant protagonist in the fight against climate change. With a striking blend of candour and conviction, he declared, “For too long, this industry has been viewed as part of the problem, criticized for its perceived inaction and, in some instances, obstruction of progress.” In those words, he cast aside the industry’s past to beckon an epoch of transformation.

Yet, the COP28 president-designate did not merely critique; he offered a profound rallying cry. “This is your opportunity to show the world that you are central to the solution,” he implored, his voice resolute. His words resonated deeply with the titans of the energy world, as they recognized that their destiny was not predetermined by their past actions but could be shaped by their future commitment to sustainability.

In this momentous convergence of energy giants, Dr. Al-Jaber has sculpted a compelling narrative—a narrative of hope, innovation, and unity. As the energy industry unites under his leadership to combat climate change, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the transformation of an industry once perceived as the problem into a force undeniably central to the solution.