Saudi Arabia and Russia Go on the Offense at Climate Talks

摘要

After Saudi Arabia announced it planned to reach net-zero emissions by 2060, the instant reaction for many was incredulity and bemusement.On social media commentators competed to find the best analogies: it’s like an abattoir saying its canteen will only serve vegetarian food, said one. Another quipped it sounded like atobacco company announcing it’s quitting smoking.The reality is far more complex. After years of being on the defensive, Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world’s top two oil exporters, have switched to a more active posture in globalnegotiations to avert climate change. The tactics have changed, but the strategy is the same: protect fossil fuel demand for as long as possible.