LFJM COP 2020

Fellow delegates, Fellow chair,

We are here today as representatives for oil producing countries, in particular Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

These countries have already made huge strides in the field of environmental protection, such as adopting the environment protection policy in the basic law of governments (article 32) which states: “The State shall work towards the preservation, protection and improvement of the environment, as well as prevent pollution.” In addition, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia participates substantially to the general authority of Meteorology and Environmental protection (PME). 

Oil producing countries are also willing to envisage new solutions to work towards SDG 11, having already asked the World Bank in 2014 for financial support in our quest to reduce waste. Waste now represents 5% of global emissions and is predicted to grow by 70% by 2050 if not addressed. The delegation of oil producing countries would like to stress that we are willing to implement new strategies, such as renewable energies, to ready ourselves for the future, but insist on the limitations of said renewable energies.

On the subject of preventing migration caused by climate change, specifically due to a rise in sea levels, these countries stand for this resolution. Saudi Arabia is classified as one of the most water scarce nations of the planet according to deputy minister for water and electricity Abdulla Al Hussayen. Absolute water scarcity level is 500 cubic square meters per capita, Saudi Arabia standing at a mere 89.5 cubic meters. Qatar and Saudi Arabia sympathize with alarm the number of climate refugees around the world, regardless of the issue not being an important concern of ours yet and are willing to help seeing as the cause also impacts the health and safety of our own populations.

However, the ongoing debate about reducing CO2 emissions, notably by decreasing oil production, is one we feel particularly concerned with. We wish to remind all member states that oil production is vital to our countries’ economies, and the global one. Qatar produces 1,987,192.98 barrels per day of oil (as of 2016) ranking 14th in the world and Saudi Arabia produces 12,402,761 barrels per day of oil (as of 2016) ranking 2nd in the world. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 87% of Saudi budget revenues, 90% of export earnings, and 42% of GDP.

Petroleum and natural gas are the cornerstones of Qatar's economy and account for more than 70% of total government revenue, more than 60% of gross domestic product, and roughly 85% of export earnings. Qatar has the world's third largest proven natural gas reserve and is the second-largest exporter of natural gas.

Entities debating in favor of reduction of CO2 emissions by reducing the extraction of oil, position themselves against the well-being and good health of Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s populations. Not to mention, from 2005 to 2017, Saudi Arabia welcomed an average of 5.6 million migrants a year, struggling migrants from poor, developing countries that find employment and revenue on our territories. We contribute to reducing poverty by welcoming these migrants, and do not wish for this to be compromised.

 Our delegation is aware that CO2 emissions generate a great and increasing threat but deem our populations’ lives more concerning at this present time. Nevertheless, we are willing to make efforts towards finding alternative solutions in preparation for the future. We intend to further develop and increase the strategies we’ve already put in motion and promote their implementation in other countries. We are open to suggestions concerning these issues, and ready to cooperate to find solutions to that which we have opposed.Parties