The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said there would be no need for the world to discriminate against any sources of energy, and must now move to adopt technologies that could transform the environmental credentials of all energy sources.
Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, OPEC Secretary General, stated at the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP 23) in Bonn, Germany, that the world would need all sources of energy for a long time, and as such, it was vital for its governments to implement the terms of the Paris Climate Change Agreement in a fair and equitable manner.
Barkindo, noted that OPEC was in support of the Paris Agreement but believed its implementation has to be inclusive.
“The comprehensive implementation of the Paris Agreement should be ‘win-win’ in nature, recognize the diverse priorities and circumstances of all Parties, and contribute to global growth, development and prosperity,” said Barkindo.
He added: “In terms of the implementation of the Paris Agreement, we need to ensure a Party-driven process; recall different national circumstances; evoke the principles of equity and of common but differentiated responsibilities; balance mitigation, adaptation and the means of implementation, including financing for developing countries to support their actions; and take into account the overriding priority of sustainable development.”
He explained that while this was considered, it, “should appreciate what the term ‘energy transition’ means for those 1.1 billion people in developing countries that continue to suffer from acute energy poverty.”
“It is not about a transition from one energy source to another; it is about the right to have access to modern energy services for the first time, to provide warmth, light and mobility.
“It should also not discriminate against any energy source. The world will continue to need all energy sources now and in the future.
“It is therefore vital we collectively develop and adopt technologies that transform the environmental credentials of all energies. In this regard, OPEC welcomes coordinated action between all Parties, with industry and through various research and development platforms,” Barkindo further noted.
According to him: “OPEC remains fully engaged and supportive of the Paris Agreement. We believe a global consensus out of the multilateral process remains the best and most inclusive way for all nations to collectively tackle climate change in a fair and equitable manner.”
