Number of fossil fuel lobbyists present at Cop28 casts doubt over host's intentions

An analysis of this year's climate conference attending list shows that a total of 2,456 fossil fuel lobbyists have been granted access to the Cop28 climate negotiations, currently held in the United Arab Emirates.

According to an analysis by the Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO) coalition, this record number raises concerns about the influence of the fossil fuel industry at the UN summit, which is being presided over by the head of the United Arab Emirates’ national oil company, the Guardian reported.

The number of lobbyists surpasses those registered for Cop27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, which was itself a record year. The lobbyists represent oil and gas giants including Shell, Total, and ExxonMobil.

Lobbyists vying to push their interests outnumber every country delegation this year apart from Brazil (3,081), which is expected to run Cop30 in 2025, and the host country, which registered 4,409 attendees.