Policymakers representing nearly 200 countries alongside activists and community leaders are gathering in Dubai for the World Climate Conference (COP28). Most of the participants agree that the summit can be considered a success only if it can ensure commitments from nations to phase out all fossil fuels: coal, oil and gas.

However, the president of COP28, Sultan Al-Jaber, who is among others, the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), is being accused of climate change denial after defending the use of fossil fuels.

According to the Guardian, during a video link with UN representatives last month, Al-Jaber said: “I’m not in any way signing up to any discussion that is alarmist. There is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phase-out of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5C.”

The remarks were received with criticism by scientists and environmental groups raising concerns about Al-Jaber’s capacity to preside at the climate summit. The Sultan as it is in clear contrast with the opening statement of UN Secretary General António Guterres.  “The science is clear. The 1.5ºC limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce, not abate. Phase out, with a clear time frame,” urged Guterres.

The future of fossil fuels is the most controversial issue at the COP28, with more than 100 countries calling for a phase-out while others, including the host country United Arab Emirates (UAE) “has signaled its preference for a phase-down,” according to CNBC.

During the previous COP, more than 80 countries have called for a fossil fuels phase-out. However, in the final agreement, nearly 200 nations taking part in the summit failed to agree for such an ambitious target.