In a shocking turn of events at the Cop29 climate summit, a Saudi Arabian delegate stands accused of directly modifying the text of an official negotiating document. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the climate community, with experts warning that such actions could jeopardize the entire conference and undermine global efforts to address the climate crisis.
According to inside sources, the document in question, which outlines the Just Transition Work Program (JTWP) aimed at helping countries shift to cleaner energy while reducing inequalities, was circulated by the Azerbaijani Cop29 presidency. However, unlike standard practice where such texts are shared as non-editable PDFs, this particular document contained tracked changes made by none other than Basel Alsubaity, a representative from the Saudi Ministry of Energy.
Tampering with Crucial Climate Negotiations
The unauthorized edits, which deleted a section encouraging countries to align their climate plans with the Paris Agreement, have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the negotiating process. As Catherine Abreu, a seasoned Cop veteran and director at the International Climate Politics Hub, explained:
“Giving one party editing access to these documents, especially a party known for its objective of rolling back global agreements on transitioning away from fossil fuels, suggests a worrying lack of independence and objectivity. This kind of behavior from a presidency risks placing the entire Cop in jeopardy.”
The allegations have further fueled tensions at the summit, with some delegations, including the Alliance of Small Island States and the Least Developed Countries, staging a walkout in protest of what they perceive as a lack of consultation by the Azerbaijani presidency.
Saudi Arabia’s History of Climate Obstruction
Saudi Arabia, a major fossil fuel exporter, has long been accused of obstructing progress at UN climate talks. A 2023 report from the Climate Social Science Network painted a damning picture of the kingdom’s track record:
“One nation has had an outsized role in undermining progress at global climate negotiations, year after year: Saudi Arabia. The fossil fuel giant has a 30-year record of obstruction and delay, protecting its national oil and gas sector and seeking to ensure UN climate talks achieve as little as possible, as slowly as possible.”
Despite facing the impacts of climate change domestically, such as rising temperatures and dwindling water supplies, Saudi Arabia has shown little inclination to shift its stance. The latest allegations of tampering with negotiating texts will only serve to reinforce the kingdom’s reputation as a “climate wrecking ball.”
The Future of Cop29 Hangs in the Balance
As the Cop29 climate summit enters its crucial final days, the controversy surrounding the Saudi delegate’s actions threatens to derail the already fraught negotiations. With trust between parties at an all-time low and accusations of foul play flying, the prospect of reaching a meaningful agreement on tackling the climate emergency appears increasingly remote.
For the millions of people around the world already grappling with the devastating consequences of global warming, from rising sea levels to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, the stakes could not be higher. As German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock put it:
“We are in the midst of a geopolitical power play by a few fossil fuel states. We will not allow the most vulnerable, especially the small island states, to be ripped off by the few rich fossil fuel emitters who have the backing, unfortunately, at this moment of the president [of Cop29].”
As the world watches with bated breath, it remains to be seen whether the Cop29 climate summit can overcome this latest obstacle and deliver the ambitious action plan that humanity so desperately needs. With the very future of our planet at stake, failure is not an option.
