Saudis, US drive strife inside global climate science body

Urge-Vorsatz would not comment on Babiker’s potential appointment. But in general, she said, having many voices at the table could be “beneficial,” as long as they were “balanced” and represented a diversity of industries.

Passed over

As the chairs’ note shows, in proposing Babiker, dozens of other highly qualified nominees were passed over. According to the document, they included Jan Minx, a researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research who specializes in analyzing climate policy outcomes.

Some governments don’t want this type of after-the-fact analysis to be included in the IPCC report. Saudi diplomats repeatedly opposed the move at the February meeting, according to the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, which publishes readouts from the meetings. Minx declined to comment.

The chapter Babiker may lead is of key interest to Saudi Arabia, which aims to be a major exporter of fossil fuels for decades to come. 

At the February meeting, Saudi Arabia, along with India, China and Russia, fought to alter the title and scope of the chapter. Other nations, including Sweden, pushed back.

“Suggestions made by member states during chapter development are part of the IPCC’s open review process,” said the Saudi climate delegation’s spokesperson. “Saudi Arabia has always contributed through formal mechanisms and in accordance with IPCC guidelines and rules. It is misleading to characterize this as political interference.”

Eventually, though, concessions were made to appease Saudi concerns.

This article has been amended to clarify the role of Malak al-Nory