The recent COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, has highlighted the significant challenges of fossil fuel lobbying in the global fight against climate change. With over 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists attending, their presence has raised alarms about the fossil fuel industry’s influence on climate negotiations, overshadowing the voices of vulnerable nations and undermining efforts to achieve net-zero emissions as outlined in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7 and 13.
1. Fossil Fuel Lobbying at COP29
The influx of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29 has been unprecedented. Their numbers exceed those of delegates from the ten most climate-vulnerable nations combined and surpass many country delegations, including those from major economies like Brazil and Türkiye. This trend reflects a systemic imbalance in representation at climate talks, where corporate interests often dominate discussions intended to address urgent climate issues.
Friday 15 November 2024, London – At least 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists have been granted access to the COP29 summit in Baku, underscoring an out-sized polluter presence year after year at crucial climate talks, according to a new analysis from the Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO) coalition.
As with last year’s COP28 climate talks in Dubai, significantly more fossil lobbyists have been granted access to COP29 than almost every country delegation – the 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists registered in Baku are only outnumbered by delegations sent by host Azerbaijan (2,229), COP30 host Brazil (1,914), and Türkiye (1,862).
The Kick Big Polluters Out coalition analyzed the provisional list of participants at COP29 line-by-line. Among the additional top-line findings:
Fossil fuel lobbyists have received more passes to COP29 than all the delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations combined (1,033), underscoring how industry presence is dwarfing that of those on the front lines of the climate crisis.
A vast number of fossil fuel lobbyists were granted access to the COP as part of a trade association. Eight of the top 10 trade groups with the most lobbyists came from the Global North. The largest was the International Emissions Trading Association, which brought 43 people including representatives from Big Polluters TotalEnergies and Glencore.
Japan brought coal giant Sumitomo as part of its delegation; Canada bought oil producers Suncor and Tourmaline; the United Kingdom brought 20 lobbyists; and Italy brought employees of energy giants Eni and Enel.
Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, and Eni, which brought a combined total of 39 lobbyists, are also linked to enabling genocide in Palestine by “fuelling Israel’s war machine.”
Kick Big Polluters Out member Nnimmo Bassey from Health of Mother Earth Foundation said: “The fossil fuel lobby’s grip on climate negotiations is like a venomous snake coiling around the very future of our planet. We must expose their deceit and take decisive action to remove their influence and make them pay for their infractions towards our planet. It’s time to prioritize the voices of those who have been fighting for justice and sustainability, not the interests of polluters.”
The KBPO findings come at the end of a year in which global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions shattered records and amidst evidence of fossil fuel complicity in genocide in Palestine via the supply of oil and gas to Israel. They also come amidst revelations that many of the world’s largest fossil fuel corporations have approved US$250 billion in oil and gas expenditure since COP28.
Industry presence in Baku stands in stark contrast to the stated aims of COP29, where ending fossil fuels, false solutions, and climate finance are all hot topics. It further substantiates the growing call from Global South countries, public officials, UN constituencies, and wider civil society to eject polluters from talks.
Beyrra Triasdian from Trend Asia’s Big Polluters’ Stranglehold on Climate Action said: “We are continually dictated by the fossil fuel industry, which has destroyed people’s homes and livelihoods. Many islands in Indonesia have sunk, droughts and floods are now common, and fields are no longer productive because of the climate crisis. COP has been held 29 times, and climate change continues to get worse, while fossil fuel lobbyists flee their responsibility and use false solutions to prolong the fossil fuel era.”
Corporate access and lobbying at UN climate talks isn’t limited to the fossil fuel industry. Other polluting industries deeply implicated in the climate crisis such as finance, agribusiness, and transportation are also present, although they are not included in this analysis. KBPO counts only organizations or delegations as fossil fuel lobbyists if they can be reasonably assumed to have the objective of influencing the formulation or implementation of policy or legislation in the interests of a fossil fuel corporation and its shareholders.
The number of fossil fuel representatives at UN climate talks has been consistently high, with the industry present since its inception. These findings build on calls in recent years to protect the UN’s climate negotiations by establishing clear conflict of interest policies and accountability measures, with countries collectively representing almost 70% of the world’s population having requested these conflicts of interest be addressed.
COP28 was the first time COP attendees were required to disclose who they represent, revealing many lobbyists who would likely have attended previous COPs incognito.
Last year, KBPO’s analysis showed that a historic high of more than 2,450 fossil fuel lobbyists were granted access to the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, up from 636 the year before that in Egypt.
Despite the overall number of participants this year (52,305) being significantly less than the 97,372 last year in Dubai, the fossil fuel industry still appears to have descended on Baku in extraordinary numbers.
The Kick Big Polluters Out campaign is calling on the UN climate body and governments to continue on the road towards a robust Accountability Framework to address the problem at its root, to prioritize the millions of lives on the line by the climate crisis and lack of action to address it as with the tobacco industry at the World Health Organisation tobacco treaty talks.
Rachitaa Gupta of the Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice said:
“For nearly 30 years, these actors have hijacked negotiations, sabotaging meaningful progress as our communities across the Global South bear the brutal brunt of the climate crisis, yet our voices remain marginalized in these critical discussions. No more compromises. These polluters need to be kicked out and it’s time for us, Global South communities – those who have contributed least to this crisis yet suffer the most – to lead and shape real, just climate solutions over profit.”
Additional quotes from KBPO members:
“COP29 kicked off with the revelation that fossil fuel deals were on the agenda, laying bare the ways that industry’s constant presence has delayed and weakened progress for years. The fossil fuel industry is driven by its financial bottom line, which is fundamentally opposed to what is needed to stop the climate crisis, namely, the urgent and just phase out of fossil fuels. We don’t have time for vested interests and delay tactics. Every year that we do not remove this influence is another year where we endanger our collective survival. It’s time for our leaders to stand up for humanity and Kick Big Polluters Out.” – Sarah McArthur, UK Youth Climate Coalition.
“The same companies that poured money into Donald Trump’s campaign are now stalking the halls of COP29, aiming to crush climate action. At this COP and in its remaining critical weeks, the Biden administration needs to treat the fossil fuel industry like the deadly, climate-killing machine that it is. At a minimum, Biden can buy lifesaving time by denying polluting behemoths like the CP2 LNG export terminal. And as Trump prepares to ‘drill, baby, drill,’ we’re getting ready to ‘sue, baby, sue’ to defend bedrock environmental laws that protect wildlife and communities.” – Ben Goloff, Center for Biological Diversity
“The fossil fuel industry has long manipulated climate negotiations to protect its interests while our planet burns. It’s time to sever these ties and ensure that the voices of the Global South are amplified, not silenced. We must kick Big Polluters out of our climate conversations and make them Pay!” – Dawda Cham, from HELP -Gambia, Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition. n
Notably, the presence of lobbyists from major oil and gas companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, and Shell has sparked criticism. Activists argue that their influence directly contradicts the goals of the summit, which include phasing out fossil fuels and increasing investments in renewable energy sources. The Kick Big Polluters Out coalition has called for urgent reforms to limit this influence and prioritize the voices of those most affected by climate change.
2. Progress and Challenges
Despite the overwhelming presence of fossil fuel lobbyists, COP29 did see some commitments aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels. Key agreements included pledges to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency efforts. However, significant obstacles remain due to the lobbying efforts that have historically delayed or diluted ambitious climate policies. For instance, countries like Saudi Arabia have been cited as blockers in negotiations aimed at curbing fossil fuel reliance.
The summit also faced criticism for being hosted in a country whose economy is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. This choice has been labeled a “greenwash conference” by activists who argue that it undermines the legitimacy of the discussions taking place. Calls for an overhaul of the COP process have emerged, advocating for stricter eligibility criteria for host countries and enhanced transparency regarding corporate lobbying activities.
A. Balancing the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists
Balancing the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists with the needs of climate-vulnerable nations is a critical challenge in the context of global climate negotiations, particularly evident during events like COP29. Here are several strategies to achieve this balance:
1. Strengthening Representation and Participation
a) Equitable Representation: Ensure that delegations from climate-vulnerable nations have equal or greater representation than fossil fuel lobbyists. This can be facilitated by setting strict eligibility criteria for participation in COP events and prioritizing voices from the Global South and communities directly impacted by climate change.
b) Increased Funding for Vulnerable Nations: Allocate resources to empower delegates from vulnerable nations, enabling them to effectively participate in negotiations and advocate for their needs without being overshadowed by corporate interests.
2. Enhancing Transparency and Accountability
a. Lobbying Regulations: Implement stricter regulations on lobbying activities at climate talks. This includes requiring fossil fuel companies to disclose their lobbying expenditures and align their business practices with their stated climate commitments.
b. Public Scrutiny: Increase public awareness and scrutiny of lobbying efforts by fossil fuel companies, similar to campaigns against tobacco lobbying. This could involve creating platforms for civil society to monitor and report on corporate influence in climate negotiations.
3. Reforming the COP Process
a) Overhaul COP Structures: Experts have called for a fundamental reform of the COP process to make it more effective in addressing climate issues. This includes smaller, solution-driven meetings that focus on actionable outcomes rather than prolonged negotiations that often favor corporate interests.
b) Accountability Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms to hold countries accountable for their climate commitments, ensuring that fossil fuel interests do not derail progress towards net-zero goals.
4. Promoting Just Transition Initiatives
a. Support for Transition Plans: Developed countries should provide financial support and technical assistance to help fossil-fuel-dependent nations transition towards renewable energy sources. This support should be designed to respect local contexts and promote social equity.
b. Community-Led Solutions: Encourage initiatives that prioritize local knowledge and community-led solutions in the energy transition, ensuring that the needs of those most affected by climate change are at the forefront of policy discussions.
5. Advocacy and Mobilization
a) Coalition Building: Foster coalitions among vulnerable nations, NGOs, and civil society organizations to amplify their voices against fossil fuel lobbying. Collective advocacy can create a stronger front against corporate influence in negotiations.
b) Public Campaigns: Launch campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the detrimental effects of fossil fuel lobbying on climate action, mobilizing public opinion to pressure governments to prioritize environmental sustainability over corporate profit.
By implementing these strategies, it is possible to create a more balanced approach that respects the needs of climate-vulnerable nations while mitigating the disproportionate influence of fossil fuel lobbyists in global climate discussions.
B. Specific Actions to reduce the influence of Fossil Fuel Lobbyists
At COP29, several specific actions were proposed to reduce the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists and ensure that climate-vulnerable nations have a stronger voice in negotiations. Here are the key proposals:
1. Stricter Eligibility Criteria for Host Countries
A group of scientists and policy leaders, including notable figures like former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, called for improved selection processes for COP presidencies. They suggested that host countries should demonstrate a commitment to phasing out fossil fuels and supporting renewable energy transitions, thereby excluding those that do not align with these goals.
2. Enhanced Transparency and Accountability
The introduction of stronger transparency and disclosure rules was advocated to ensure that fossil fuel companies align their lobbying activities with their climate commitments. This includes requiring companies to demonstrate how their business models support climate goals.
Calls were made for the creation of a robust conflict of interest policy to prevent fossil fuel lobbyists from undermining the objectives of global climate treaties.
3. Equitable Representation
Proposals included ensuring equitable representation at COP meetings by amplifying the voices of scientists, Indigenous communities, and representatives from vulnerable nations. This could involve limiting the number of lobbyists allowed to participate in favor of official delegates from affected communities.
4. Frequent and Solution-Driven Meetings
The need for more frequent, smaller, and solution-oriented meetings was emphasized to facilitate meaningful discussions focused on actionable outcomes rather than prolonged negotiations that often favor corporate interests.
5. Public Mobilization and Advocacy
Activist groups called for greater public awareness campaigns to expose the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists and advocate for their removal from climate negotiations. This includes organizing coalitions of civil society organizations to push for reforms and hold governments accountable.
6. Limiting Lobbyist Access
Recommendations were made to restrict access for fossil fuel lobbyists at future COP events, suggesting that they should not have a seat at the negotiating table where climate policies are formulated.
These proposals reflect a growing consensus among climate advocates that significant reforms are needed to ensure that climate negotiations prioritize environmental sustainability over corporate interests, particularly in light of the disproportionate influence exerted by fossil fuel lobbyists at events like COP29.
C. Fossil Fuel Lobbyists at COP29had a Significant Impact on the Outcomes of the Conference
The presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29 had a significant impact on the outcomes of the conference, influencing both the dynamics of negotiations and the overall effectiveness of climate action initiatives. Here are the key ways in which their presence affected the proceedings:
1. Overwhelming Lobbyist Presence
With 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists attending COP29, their numbers surpassed those of delegates from the ten most climate-vulnerable nations combined, which had only 1,033 delegates. This disproportionate representation raised concerns about the integrity of the negotiations and highlighted the potential for corporate interests to overshadow those of vulnerable communities facing climate impacts.
2. Derailing Strict Climate Commitments
Activists and experts argued that fossil fuel companies actively worked to derail efforts aimed at enforcing strict greenhouse gas reductions. Their lobbying efforts often favored voluntary measures over enforceable policies, undermining ambitious climate goals and delaying necessary actions to phase out fossil fuels 15. This corporate influence was seen as a barrier to achieving meaningful progress in climate negotiations.
3. Promotion of Misleading Technologies
The presence of lobbyists advocating for technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) was notable, with 480 CCS lobbyists attending. Critics argued that these technologies serve as a means for fossil fuel companies to prolong their operations rather than genuinely contribute to climate solutions. The promotion of such technologies diverted attention from proven renewable energy solutions needed to meet climate targets.
4. Greenwashing and Corporate Messaging
Fossil fuel companies utilized COP29 as a platform for greenwashing their image, promoting narratives that framed oil and gas as essential components of a sustainable future. This included showcasing technologies that purportedly mitigate emissions while continuing to support fossil fuel extraction, thus complicating efforts to communicate clear and effective climate strategies.
5. Calls for Reform and Accountability
The overwhelming presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29 intensified calls for reforms within the COP process itself. Many advocates demanded stricter conflict-of-interest policies, equitable representation, and greater transparency regarding lobbying activities. These calls reflect a growing recognition that without addressing corporate influence, climate negotiations will continue to fall short of delivering effective solutions.
The impact of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29 underscores a critical challenge in global climate negotiations: balancing corporate interests with the urgent needs of vulnerable nations facing climate crises. Their substantial presence not only influenced the outcomes of discussions but also highlighted systemic issues within the COP framework that need urgent reform to ensure that meaningful climate action is prioritized over corporate profit.
D. The Arguments Against Allowing Fossil Fuel Lobbyists at Climate Talks
The arguments against allowing fossil fuel lobbyists at climate talks, particularly highlighted during recent events like COP29, center around several key points:
1. Conflict of Interest
Allowing fossil fuel lobbyists to participate in climate negotiations creates a direct conflict of interest. Critics argue that it is illogical to invite representatives of industries that contribute significantly to climate change to discussions aimed at mitigating its impacts. As Marta Schaaf from Amnesty International stated, it is “warped” to seek input from those responsible for environmental degradation when formulating solutions to the problems they have caused.
2. Undermining Climate Goals
The presence of fossil fuel lobbyists is seen as detrimental to achieving strict climate commitments. Activists contend that these lobbyists often work to dilute or derail efforts aimed at enforcing greenhouse gas reductions, favoring voluntary measures that lack accountability instead of enforceable policies. This undermines the integrity and effectiveness of climate negotiations.
3. Disproportionate Influence
The sheer number of fossil fuel lobbyists often exceeds that of delegates from vulnerable nations, leading to an imbalance in representation at climate talks. For instance, at COP29, fossil fuel lobbyists outnumbered delegates from the ten most climate-vulnerable nations combined. This imbalance raises concerns about whose voices are prioritized in critical discussions about global climate strategies.
4. Promotion of Misleading Solutions
Lobbyists frequently advocate for technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which critics argue prolong fossil fuel use rather than genuinely addressing the need for a transition to renewable energy sources. The promotion of such technologies can distract from effective climate solutions and delay necessary action. Activists have described this as a way for fossil fuel companies to maintain their operations under the guise of innovation.
5. Erosion of Trust in the Negotiation Process
The involvement of fossil fuel lobbyists has led to a loss of credibility in the COP process itself. Many civil society groups argue that allowing these lobbyists to participate damages the legitimacy of climate negotiations and erodes public trust in the commitment of governments to tackle climate change effectively. This perception can discourage meaningful engagement from other stakeholders, particularly those from vulnerable communities.
6. Historical Precedent and Accountability
There is a long history of fossil fuel companies attending climate talks, often without proper disclosure of their affiliations or intentions. This lack of transparency has allowed them to operate with impunity within negotiation spaces, which many argue must change to protect the integrity of future discussions. Calls for clearer conflict-of-interest policies have been made to ensure that those who contribute to environmental harm do not influence the processes designed to mitigate it.
In summary, the arguments against allowing fossil fuel lobbyists at climate talks emphasize the need for integrity, accountability, and equitable representation in discussions aimed at addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today.y
E. The interests of fossil fuel lobbyists often conflict with the goals of achieving Net Zero emissions due to several key factors:
1. Promotion of Continued Fossil Fuel Use
Fossil fuel lobbyists advocate for the continued extraction and use of fossil fuels, which directly contradicts the fundamental objective of achieving Net Zero emissions. Their lobbying efforts often focus on maintaining or expanding fossil fuel production, undermining the necessary transition to renewable energy sources that is critical for meeting climate targets.
2. Dilution of Climate Policies
Lobbyists frequently push for policies that favor voluntary measures over enforceable regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach can lead to weaker climate commitments that do not align with scientific recommendations for drastic reductions in emissions, thereby hindering progress toward Net Zero goals.
3. Greenwashing and Misleading Narratives
Fossil fuel companies often engage in greenwashing, portraying themselves as part of the solution to climate change while continuing to promote fossil fuel dependence. They may claim to support initiatives like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) or natural gas as a “bridge fuel,” despite evidence that these solutions do not sufficiently address the urgency of reducing overall fossil fuel use. This misleading narrative can delay meaningful climate action.
4. Internal Contradictions
Many fossil fuel companies publicly commit to Net Zero targets while internally acknowledging that their business models are incompatible with these goals. Reports indicate that while companies like ExxonMobil and Shell make pledges to reduce emissions, they simultaneously lobby against policies that would require significant reductions in fossil fuel production. This internal contradiction undermines the credibility of their commitments.
5. Influence on Policy Development
The extensive lobbying by fossil fuel interests can shape government policies in ways that prioritize industry profits over environmental sustainability. For example, in Canada, significant lobbying efforts have been made to weaken regulations aimed at capping emissions from the fossil fuel sector, demonstrating how corporate influence can obstruct necessary climate action.
6. Blocking Accountability Measures
Fossil fuel lobbyists often oppose accountability measures aimed at ensuring compliance with climate commitments. Their resistance to science-based targets and regulations designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions reflects a broader strategy to protect their economic interests at the expense of environmental health and climate stability.
In summary, the interests of fossil fuel lobbyists conflict with Net Zero goals by promoting continued fossil fuel use, diluting climate policies, engaging in greenwashing, exhibiting internal contradictions regarding their commitments, influencing policy development unfavorably, and blocking accountability measures. These actions collectively hinder progress toward achieving necessary global climate targets.
3. Looking Ahead
As nations prepare to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the need for a clear strategy to counteract fossil fuel lobbying has become increasingly critical. The ongoing struggle between fossil fuel interests and meaningful climate action highlights the necessity for political will and public accountability in shaping effective environmental policies. Here’s an expanded discussion on the importance of these strategies and their implications for achieving net-zero emissions and fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).
l The Challenge of Fossil Fuel Lobbying
Fossil fuel lobbyists have a long history of influencing climate negotiations, often prioritizing corporate profits over environmental sustainability. At COP29, for example, 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists were present, outnumbering delegates from the ten most climate-vulnerable nations combined. This overwhelming presence raises concerns about the integrity of climate talks, as lobbyists work to dilute commitments and promote policies that favor continued fossil fuel use rather than transitioning to renewable energy sources.
l Impacts on Climate Negotiations
a) Dilution of Ambitious Targets: Lobbyists often advocate for weaker climate policies that allow for continued fossil fuel extraction and use. This undermines global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as countries may feel pressured to compromise on their commitments.
b) Greenwashing: Fossil fuel companies frequently engage in greenwashing, promoting misleading narratives about their role in the transition to cleaner energy. This can confuse policymakers and the public about the viability of fossil fuels as part of a sustainable energy future.
c) Imbalance in Representation: The disproportionate number of fossil fuel lobbyists compared to representatives from vulnerable nations creates a systemic imbalance in negotiations. This undermines the voices of those most affected by climate change, who are often advocating for urgent action.
d) Strategies to Counteract Fossil Fuel Lobbying
To protect the path toward achieving net-zero emissions and fulfill SDGs 7 and 13, global leaders must implement robust strategies that prioritize sustainable practices over corporate interests:
1. Robust Regulations on Lobbying Activities
a) Conflict-of-Interest Rules: Establish strict regulations that prevent fossil fuel lobbyists from participating in climate negotiations. This includes requiring full disclosure of affiliations and lobbying activities, ensuring that only those aligned with climate goals have a voice at the table 13.
b) Limiting Lobbyist Access: Introduce caps on the number of lobbyists allowed at COP events, ensuring that their presence does not overshadow official delegates from vulnerable nations or scientific institutions.
2. Equitable Representation
a) Empowering Vulnerable Nations: Increase funding and resources for delegates from climate-vulnerable nations to ensure they can effectively participate in negotiations. This includes providing technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to enhance their advocacy efforts.
b) Inclusion of Diverse Voices: Actively include representatives from Indigenous communities, youth organizations, and civil society groups in negotiations to ensure a more holistic approach to climate action.
3. Political Will and Public Accountability
a) Strengthening Political Commitment: Encourage national governments to reaffirm their commitments to ambitious climate targets and hold them accountable for progress through transparent reporting mechanisms.
b) Public Mobilization: Engage civil society in advocacy efforts to pressure governments to resist fossil fuel lobbying influences. Grassroots movements can play a crucial role in raising awareness about the impacts of fossil fuel interests on climate negotiations.
4. Reforming the COP Process
a) Overhauling COP Structures: Experts have called for fundamental reforms within the COP process itself, emphasizing smaller, solution-driven meetings that focus on actionable outcomes rather than prolonged negotiations that favor corporate interest.
b) Accountability Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms within the COP framework to hold countries accountable for their climate commitments, ensuring compliance with agreed-upon targets.
4. Conclusion
The path toward achieving net-zero emissions is fraught with challenges posed by fossil fuel lobbying. However, with clear strategies focusing on robust regulations, equitable representation, political will, public accountability, and reforming negotiation processes, it is possible to counteract these influences effectively. By prioritizing sustainable practices over corporate profits, global leaders can protect vulnerable communities’ interests while advancing meaningful climate action essential for securing a sustainable future for all.
The discussions surrounding fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29 highlighted several critical points regarding their influence on climate negotiations and the implications for global climate action.
Firstly, the sheer number of fossil fuel lobbyists present at COP29 was staggering, with 1,773 lobbyists attending, which exceeded the combined delegates from the ten most climate-vulnerable nations. This overwhelming presence raised significant concerns about the potential for undue influence on global climate policies, as critics argued that these lobbyists could derail efforts to enforce strict greenhouse gas reductions. Activists emphasized that having representatives from an industry responsible for significant environmental harm participating in climate discussions is fundamentally contradictory and undermines the rationale of such summits.
Moreover, there were calls for stricter conflict-of-interest policies to limit fossil fuel lobbyists’ access to negotiations. Activists and experts expressed that allowing these lobbyists to participate not only compromises the integrity of the COP process but also prioritizes corporate interests over the urgent needs of vulnerable communities facing the impacts of climate change. The presence of fossil fuel representatives has historically skewed discussions toward voluntary measures rather than enforceable policies, which are essential for achieving meaningful climate action.
Critics also highlighted the phenomenon of greenwashing, where fossil fuel companies promote misleading narratives about their role in addressing climate change while continuing to expand fossil fuel production. This tactic diverts attention from necessary transitions to renewable energy sources and perpetuates reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, specific technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) were promoted by lobbyists as solutions, despite evidence suggesting they serve primarily to prolong fossil fuel use rather than genuinely mitigate climate impacts.
The discussions underscored a growing consensus among civil society and vulnerable nations that urgent reforms are needed within the COP framework to protect its integrity. This includes implementing robust regulations on lobbying activities, ensuring equitable representation for affected communities, and fostering greater public accountability in climate negotiations. As nations prepare to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), these strategies must be prioritized to counteract fossil fuel lobbying effectively and advance meaningful climate action that aligns with global sustainability goals.