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.

  • Excrubulent@slrpnk.netEnglish
    4·
    11 months ago

    You’re right about their motivations, but I think geopolitics gives absolutely zero shits about Mecca. Just like with Israel, religion is sometimes used as rhetorical justification, but ultimately it’s about power. Invoking religion is another political move as a shield against their cynicism.

    Like just look at how these sentiments tend go: “we are fighting for our holy land because we are righteous; they are fighting over their holy land because they are simpleminded and superstitious”. It’s just flag waving. It’s such easily manipulated rhetoric that it can work to any end, so of course it gets deployed.

    It’s no more meaningful to the people in power than any other culture war issue. They care about it exactly as much as they care about the green M&M.