OPEC's Unprecedented Decision Raises Concerns for Climate Crisis and Oil Market Oversupply
Money | June 21, 2024, 3:04 a.m.
Opec+ members' decision to gradually increase production by phasing out voluntary output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day over a year, starting in October, could flood the market and derail the Cop28 climate deal's green energy push. The move risks locking in oil and gas investment, hindering the transition to renewables necessary to fight global warming. Analysts warn that global oil capacity may exceed demand by 2030, leading to bearish oil prices. Despite UN climate goals, countries like Opec members need to act urgently to phase out fossil fuels, as current reserves already threaten to surpass global warming limits. While Opec's focus is on supply and demand management, the lack of global renewable capacity growth hampers climate goals. Urgent multilateral action is imperative to curb emissions and transition to green energy, especially in the face of Asia's extreme heatwaves highlighting the urgent need for climate action.