Al Jaber says comments claiming there is ‘no science’ behind demands for phase-out of fossil fuels were ‘misinterpreted’ – Cop28

Wrapping up another day of Cop28 in Dubai, the main event was Sultan Al Jaber, the summit president, calling a surprise press conference.

He called the presser after the Guardian reported he had said a phase-out of fossil fuels would not allow sustainable development “unless you want to take the world back into caves”.

Al Jaber gave a fierce defence of himself, claiming his comments had been “misinterpreted”. He defended his record, and said he believes in the science and that Cop28 has been very successful so far.

All eyes will now be on Al Jaber over the coming days to see if he can fulfil his pledge that an “unprecedented outcome” to keep alive hopes of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5C, is within reach.

In other developments:

• Water Aid called for rich countries to do more to meet this year’s target of $300m for the climate adaptation fund.

• More than 1000 climate scientists called for mass collective action to avert climate breakdown.

• Representatives of small island states said they would continue to demand a phaseout of fossil fuels – and hold Sultan Al Jaber to account for this.