An undercover investigation revealed a multi-pronged plan to be carried out under the direction of the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Saudi Arabia targets poorer nations as fossil fuel demand decreases in wealthier countries.
- A Saudi official confirmed that goosing demand for hydrocarbons was a primary objective.
- Climate scientists and activists condemned the attempt to soft pedal the market grab.
Key quote:
“The rest of the world is weaning itself off dirty and polluting fossil fuels and Saudi Arabia is getting desperate for more customers and is turning its sights on Africa. It’s repulsive."
— Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa.
Why this matters:
Saudi Arabia's plan poses a significant challenge to global climate efforts, and raises environmental justice concerns about expanding polluting fossil fuel infrastructure and consumption in developing countries.
For more on the climate justice implications of fossil fuel production and use, read about California's efforts to protect communities overburdened by oil drilling.
What are your thoughts on how best to break the cycle of fossil fuel dependency and ensuring all countries have access to sustainable energy?
