Iraq, KSA, UAE argue in favor of fossil fuels at Riyadh climate event
Gas flares burn at an oilfield in Iraq. Photo: AFP
Riyadh (IraqiNews.com) – For the United Nations MENA climate week, ministers of energy from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—major OPEC players—argued that the fossil fuel industry might help facilitate a smooth transition to sustainable energy.
According to Reuters, the three countries also agreed that oil and gas should not be condemned while discussing climate change.
“The three of us here as major hydrocarbon producers also have a responsibility to the world to provide the transition with enough hydrocarbon resources to make sure we are transitioning at a responsibly priced manner,” said UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei.
Iraqi Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani declared that the global energy demand still requires energy from fossil fuels, despite a rise worldwide demand for crude next year.
Furthermore, Abdul Ghani stated Baghdad has altered its priority to utilizing natural gas to create electricity as both fossil fuels and alternative energy sources need significant capital expenditures.