Iraq refuses fossil fuel phaseout at COP29

Iraq's parliamentary delegation has rejected calls to phase out fossil fuels at the United Nations Climate Summit COP29 in Baku, citing their crucial role in the national economy, officials said on November 18.

Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest producer, has heavily relied on oil exports for its economic survival but previously stated that it would begin to reduce emissions; despite criticisms, the country was not serious about the global environmental crisis, which it is most affected by. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that 2019 crude oil export revenue accounted for an estimated 92% of Iraq's total government revenues. This dependency makes a rapid transition from fossil fuels challenging without substantial economic restructuring and diversification.

Majid Shankali, head of the Parliamentary Health and Environment Committee, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that Iraq seeks to adapt to global environmental standards while maintaining its economic interests.

"The climate conference focused on important issues, most notably the gradual phasedown of fossil fuels, which is one of the main pillars of the Iraqi economy, which we completely reject," Shankali said.

He noted that Azerbaijan's proposal for oil-rich nations to support developing countries was dismissed, explaining that "most oil-producing countries are themselves developing countries."

The Iraqi delegation's position was strengthened by the presence of President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, ministry undersecretaries and executive bodies at the summit, held from November 12-13.

Shankali highlighted Iraq's upcoming role as president of the G7 Plus summit with China in the next session.

The parliamentary team has maintained consistent engagement in climate discussions, having participated in COP27 and COP28 before the current summit in Azerbaijan's capital.

This stance is consistent with Iraq's economic structure, where fossil fuels are a dominant component. Data from the World Bank indicates that in 2015, fossil fuels accounted for 89% of Iraq's total energy consumption.

Iraq is one of a growing number of petrostates, including host Azerbaijan, fiercely responding to developed Western economies and their stance towards economic development.

The previous COP28 summit in the UAE was a “cop-out,” bnm IntelliNews previously noted. In contrast, it did produce a historic statement to limit fossil fuel use that was couched in terms of allowing “abatable” emissions – those where the CO₂ can be removed by carbon capture and storage (CCS) techniques.