President Sultan al-Jaber, leading the UN climate talks in Dubai, clarified his stance amid controversy over remarks questioning the scientific link between fossil fuel phaseout and achieving the 1.5°C temperature target.
On Monday, al-Jaber emphasised respect for science, citing his engineering and economic background.
The COP28 President affirmed the inevitability of reducing fossil fuel use and coal phaseout.
Mr Jaber said: “I honestly think there is some confusion out there, and misrepresentation. I am quite surprised with the constant and repeated attempts to undermine the work of the COP28 presidency.”
IPCC Chair Jim Skea supported al-Jaber, reiterating the global scientific consensus on the need for substantial fossil fuel reduction by 2050 to meet the 1.5°C target.
