More than 100 companies and industry groups linked to fossil fuels have sent delegations to the UN climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, according to a new study. The findings land as the talks, known as Cop31, aim to move the world away from the coal, oil and gas that drive global warming.
The study counts over 100 firms and groups with ties to fossil fuel interests among the attendees. Their delegations are large enough that, in some cases, they outnumber the official teams from countries that are among the most exposed to climate impacts. Nepal, which has suffered a glacier collapse, is cited as one example of a nation whose delegation is smaller than the fossil fuel contingent.
The summit may be the largest in the 30-year history of the annual gatherings. More than 92,000 delegates have registered to attend, a figure that reflects the scale of interest in the negotiations and the number of groups seeking a seat at the table.
The presence of such a large industry contingent is likely to draw scrutiny at a meeting whose stated purpose is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Critics of the arrangement have long argued that industry lobbying can slow progress on emissions cuts, while supporters say business participation is needed to deliver practical solutions.
The gathering also comes with a notable absence. The United States is skipping the Antalya talks, a decision reported ahead of the opening ceremony on Monday. The study does not say how the American absence will affect the balance of delegations or the course of negotiations.
Credit. Based on reporting by Oliver Milman for The Guardian. Is this your work? Write to us.
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