Concerns Rise as Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Outnumber COP29 Talks

• Representatives from fossil fuel companies in rich countries gained access to the conference as part of their national delegations.
• They can influence talks in Baku and impede climate goals.

Over 1,700 lobbyists from the oil, gas, and coal industries have entered the United Nations climate conference, COP29, going on in Baku, Azerbaijan, notes the Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO) coalition.

This number is worrying as it raises concerns about the influence these industries have on climate discussions in Baku. They outnumber every country's delegation at the event, says the report.

They are seen as a threat to achieving climate goals because these lobbyists have significant stakes in fossil fuel businesses and are hesitant to prioritise environmental protection over their financial interests.

The countries affected by climate change have only around 100 delegates at the event, a number much smaller than that of the fossil fuel lobbyists. This indicates that their voices are overshadowed by those of the lobbyists.

Many got access to COP29 through trade associations or as part of national delegations. For instance, some representatives of oil and gas companies are part of national delegations from developed nations like Japan, Canada, and Italy.

According to the report, companies like Chevron and BP indirectly support conflicts by providing oil to nations involved in disputes.

Environmental activists said that the UN should do more to restrict entry to these fossil fuel companies to avoid conflicts of interest. In 2023, attendees had to disclose their industry associations through a rule implemented by the UN.

Oil companies and their representatives have discussed "incremental change" rather than an altogether shift away from fossil fuels. Critics point out that this approach is not effective in combating the climate crisis.

Climate experts firmly say that fossil fuels are the primary cause of climate change and urge immediate action to prevent severe consequences. Previous conferences, however, have only recently acknowledged this urgency.

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Source: The Guardian