Saudi Arabia's delaying tactics in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are causing collateral damage, with the country already feeling the impacts of climate change. The average temperature rose by 2.2C between 1979 and 2019, almost three times faster than the global rate, and even faster in Riyadh and Mecca. Sea levels are inexorably rising, threatening coastal oil terminals operated by Aramco, which use fossil fuels to transport 98% of the country's oil exports.
The kingdom's enormous wealth means it has options not available to poorer nations, such as air conditioning and desalination of seawater. However, if these continue to be powered by fossil fuels, they create a vicious circle that amplifies pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Saudi Arabia's national climate action is judged as "critically insufficient" by Climate Action Tracker, or at best "at the drawing board stage." The country's efforts to delay its transition from a petrostate are causing death and destruction across the planet. Delaying a fossil fuel phaseout only spells more death and destruction.
Deliberate delay inside the UN climate talks is as bad as continuing to pump emissions into the atmosphere. Doing both – as Saudi Arabia does – is even worse. The country's obstructionism in the UN climate talks should be taken into account when deciding who pays the money needed to help poorer countries recover from climate catastrophes.
The problem with Saudi Arabia's delaying tactics is that they are causing collateral damage, and it will take concerted efforts by the international community to change this. Experts led by Depledge have suggested implementing voting based on a supermajority of seven-eighths of nations, which would capture overwhelming support across the globe while sidelining a tiny minority of obstructors.
One way to speed up the negotiations is to sanction repeat procedural blockers, "just as delaying tactics in football can see offenders receive a yellow card." This would help to create a culture of accountability and ensure that countries are held to account for their actions in the UN climate talks.
The kingdom's enormous wealth means it has options not available to poorer nations, such as air conditioning and desalination of seawater. However, if these continue to be powered by fossil fuels, they create a vicious circle that amplifies pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Saudi Arabia's national climate action is judged as "critically insufficient" by Climate Action Tracker, or at best "at the drawing board stage." The country's efforts to delay its transition from a petrostate are causing death and destruction across the planet. Delaying a fossil fuel phaseout only spells more death and destruction.
Deliberate delay inside the UN climate talks is as bad as continuing to pump emissions into the atmosphere. Doing both – as Saudi Arabia does – is even worse. The country's obstructionism in the UN climate talks should be taken into account when deciding who pays the money needed to help poorer countries recover from climate catastrophes.
The problem with Saudi Arabia's delaying tactics is that they are causing collateral damage, and it will take concerted efforts by the international community to change this. Experts led by Depledge have suggested implementing voting based on a supermajority of seven-eighths of nations, which would capture overwhelming support across the globe while sidelining a tiny minority of obstructors.
One way to speed up the negotiations is to sanction repeat procedural blockers, "just as delaying tactics in football can see offenders receive a yellow card." This would help to create a culture of accountability and ensure that countries are held to account for their actions in the UN climate talks.
its a global problem we're all stuck with. they're trying to balance economic growth with reducing emissions - it's not as simple as just saying 'oh, you're doing enough' 
. and yeah, their wealth does give them more options, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be held accountable for their actions in the UN climate talks 
. i mean, if everyone was just sitting back and waiting for someone else to make a change, we'd still be seeing the devastating effects of climate change today 
. let's focus on finding solutions rather than vilifying the saudi arabia government 
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. They're making the rest of us pay for their fossil fuel addiction while they just keep delaying their transition. Did you know that if they'd kept up with global progress, we wouldn't be seeing 2.5C warming by 2100? Instead, they're stuck at 3.4C and counting 
- that means they're basically not doing anything. The whole world is suffering while Saudi Arabia's just dragging its feet.
- after all, just like yellow cards in football, it's time to give them a piece of their mind 
.
. i mean we all know they got loads of cash and can basically afford anything, but instead theyre just stalling and delaying. its not like they dont have the tech or the resources to switch over to renewable energy already, but nope they wanna keep sticking with their fossil fuels and causing more harm to the planet 
.
. at least that way theyd have to answer for their actions and stuff.
.
it's like they're playing with fire, and we're all getting burned. Their delaying tactics are having devastating effects on other countries and the planet as a whole. I mean, can't you just imagine if everyone had access to air conditioning and desalination, but then used fossil fuels to power them? It's like a vicious cycle that amplifies pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
. i know they're doing some pretty questionable things when it comes to climate change, but think about it, they've got the means to make a real difference... like air conditioning and desalination for every single citizen! 
that's a huge deal right there 
.
. we're the ones who keep saying we want climate action and stuff, but meanwhile saudi arabia is getting slammed with all these expectations 
. it's not fair to just castigate them for trying to protect their own interests, you know? 
they've got a right to be heard too! 
and btw i heard depledge has a great idea about voting based on supermajority of nations? 
thats the kinda change we need! but seriously, sanctions 4 repeat procedural blockers sounds like a solid move...u cant have countries just blocking progress & holding others back 
. It's like they're trying to preserve their fossil fuel empire while the planet burns 
. But honestly, if anyone knows about consequences, it's them - I mean, have you seen the sea levels rising near their coastlines? 
Not exactly a great look for the kingdom... and don't even get me started on those massive air conditioning bills 
. It's time to step up their climate game, or at least stop hindering progress in the UN talks 
.
to help 'em deal with climate change, but using fossil fuels is just makin it worse 
. We need to hold them accountable for their actions and maybe introduce some consequences for obstructionism like, you know, actual sanctions 
. it's like they're putting profits over people's lives 
. and let's be real, their air conditioning and desalination plans are basically just going to make things worse in the long run 
. the UN climate talks need more than just empty promises, we need concrete action 
should be held accountable 
. it's time for some serious consequences 
meanwhile ppl around the world are losin' their homes, livin' in extreme poverty & sufferin' from the effects of climate change. it's not just about the money, it's about people's lives 
. Newsflash: delaying your transition from fossil fuels is not a delay, it's a death sentence 
for the planet. It's like they're trying to get away with murder without getting caught 
. Anyway, back to Saudi Arabia... it's wild that they're so invested in delaying climate change talks and yet, their own country is getting hit hard by the effects of global warming 
. Maybe we should just start making our own rules when it comes to food ordering delivery times?
. We need to find ways to hold them in check and create a culture of accountability, whether it's through stronger sanctions or more creative solutions to get the negotiations moving 
.
- they keep pushing it back, but the damage is already done! The planet is literally burning 
. We need to start holding them accountable for their actions, like sanctioning repeat procedural blockers 
. It's time for some real leadership from Saudi Arabia - or at least a willingness to work with the rest of us to find solutions 
.