The oil and gas industry has an effective role to play in the energy transition, highlighting that it is already working to decarbonize and achieve energy transition goals, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla stated.

El Molla’s statement came during the inauguration of Decarbonization Day with the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry within the framework of COP27. 

In his opening speech, El Molla said that climate change is an undeniable reality that is accompanied by economic challenges and political tensions. The consequences of climate change are greater than any country or nation can bear or face alone, highlighting the inevitability of concerted joint efforts from all concerned parties, whether developing or developed countries, industrial or consuming countries, and government or private sectors.

The world will continue to need energy to achieve growth, progress and economic prosperity, which is why the energy necessary for life and development must be provided in responsible ways that are environmentally friendly and with minimal impact on the climate, El Molla stated.

El Molla said that Decarbonization Day is an opportunity to discuss the projects that have been implemented in the field of decarbonization and emissions reduction, in addition to announcing the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ strategy for energy efficiency.

In his speech, Kerry indicated that COP27 is the beginning of implementation and that the world must together face the challenge and mitigate the effects of burning fossil fuels. He warned that if emissions are not sufficiently reduced, the world faces the possibility of 15 million people dying globally due to climate change-related dangers.