Who's cake is climate action cutting into? Saudi Arabia takes a hard line, while the U.S. ends up making a fool of itself.

Against the backdrop of continuously rising global temperatures, climate governance has become urgent. The most closely watched issue at present is the ongoing 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). This year is the hottest on record in human history. According to the UNFCCC Secretariat, it is now the decisive moment for governments worldwide to deliver on their climate commitments. COP28 is reportedly the largest climate conference ever held, with nearly all 200 Parties participating. When terms like 'unprecedented scale,' 'heavy responsibility,' and 'turning point' converge, intuition tells us that sharp tensions are inevitable around the negotiation table. As the saying goes, negotiation is the art of compromise—and climate negotiations are no exception. At its core, climate action boils down primarily to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many countries—including the United States and the European Union—have put forward a key demand: calling on all parties to agree on phasing out—or at least scaling back—fossil fuel use. As the world’s largest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia was the first to react strongly. According to a Bloomberg report dated December 4, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman voiced strong objections, declaring that Saudi Arabia would absolutely not accept language in the COP28 text calling for the 'phase-down of fossil fuels.' He directly accused those countries of hypocrisy and challenged anyone publicly advocating for a full fossil fuel phase-out: 'Ask them how they plan to achieve it' and 'See how far they actually go.' Discussing fossil fuel reduction with an oil-producing nation is tantamount to threatening its very livelihood—how could anyone remain calm? Even more provocative is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for a 'complete phase-out of fossil fuels'—a statement that lands squarely on Saudi Arabia’s red line. Moral coercion demanding that Saudi Arabia abandon the security provided by its oil wealth is profoundly unfair.

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) will be held in Turkey in November 2026 | Highlights of COP31

Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey serves as a vital bridge connecting developed and developing countries—and linking Europe with the Middle East and Africa. Hosting the conference here is expected to foster dialogue among diverse blocs, especially deepening participation by Global South nations in climate governance. Turkey itself is undergoing a dramatic energy transition: rapid expansion in solar and wind power, alongside its nuclear energy program, offers replicable models for emerging economies. Recently, Orhan Solak, Deputy Director-General of the Turkish Climate Change Agency, stated at a climate awareness-raising event in Istanbul that Turkey aims to translate international decisions into national policy—and further into local-level implementation—to elevate climate awareness nationwide. He emphasized that accelerating the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is critical. NDCs are official national climate action plans and emission-reduction pledges submitted to the United Nations. To keep global warming within 1.5°C, Turkey is currently updating its NDC—a pivotal moment. It is finalizing a more ambitious 2030 emissions-reduction target and formulating a long-term low-emission development strategy extending to 2053. This new plan will place greater emphasis on renewable energy, energy efficiency, just transition in coal-dependent regions, and nature-based solutions. Solak also noted that this conference carries profound significance: Turkey is not only hosting both the Leaders’ Summit (in Istanbul) and the main venue (in Antalya), but also bearing the historic mission of guiding the global climate agenda into a new phase. Building upon foundations laid at COP30 (Brazil, 2025), COP31 must convert broad political commitments into concrete outcomes. He stressed that COP31 will be a decisive moment—requiring quantified adaptation targets tailored to individual countries’ circumstances; rendering climate finance more transparent, predictable, and accessible; and ensuring that just transition and climate policies provide real protection and support for vulnerable populations. ▼ Related reports from Hai Chao Tian Xia: With COP30 approaching, Belém hotels face a crisis! 6,000 emergency beds deployed; two massive cruise ships transformed into Amazonian 'floating diplomatic residences.' Brazil leads launch of the 'Permanent Tropical Forest Fund'—a new $125 billion TFFF mechanism unveiled at COP30. Climate front collapsing? UN warns: Billions of hectares of forest may turn into 'carbon sources'; urgent action needed at COP30. ▲ Above: The 31st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP31) is scheduled for November 2026 in Antalya, Turkey—a critical juncture in global climate governance. Shown above is a landmark building in Antalya. In recent years, Turkey’s energy transition has been highly representative: its installed wind and hydropower capacity ranks among the highest in Europe, and construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant forms a cornerstone of its decarbonization strategy. Source: UNFCCC What to expect from COP31? This conference marks a pivotal node in the global climate governance process—not only as the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, but also encompassing key decision-making meetings under both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

COP31: Saudi minister warns climate push risks failure without energy security

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At COP31, a Saudi minister warned that climate initiatives risk failure without ensuring energy security, emphasizing the need to balance environmental goals with economic stability. The conference targets renewables comprising 35% of global electricity consumption.

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COP31: Saudi minister warns climate push risks failure without energy security

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