The world’s leading oil exporter has become the most forceful opponent of a new agreement at the U.N. climate summit, according to people inside the talks.

The Saudi delegation has flatly opposed any language in a deal that would even mention fossil fuels — the oil, gas and coal that, when burned, create emissions that are dangerously heating the planet. Saudi negotiators have also objected to a provision, endorsed by at least 118 countries, aimed at tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

  • Hyperreality@kbin.social
    23·
    11 months ago

    They produce a lot of oil, they can easily influence oil prices, and thereby influence elections.

    Piss off the Saudis, they reduce output, prices go up, idiots everywhere vote for the other guy who’s willing to suck their dick.

    Eg. 2022 US midterms they used oil as a weapon against the democrats, losing them the house.

    • a4ng3l@lemmy.worldEnglish
      8·
      11 months ago

      True but eventually there will be an alternative to oil and that day they can go back to trading camels. There power is relatively new and won’t last. It’s so weird to piss everyone off in the meantime.

      • anlumo@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        11 months ago

        The concept of money is built in a way that once you have a lot of it, it doesn’t go away any more.

    • hh93@lemm.eeEnglish
      3·
      11 months ago

      One more reason for renewables so sucking the dicks of dictators can’t help you win elections as easy as that