Abu Dhabi-The  UAE’s Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Minister of Industry has  called for the energy sector to step up to play its part in taking on climIn a call for immediate action, the UAE’s Dr. Sultan Al Jaber has called for the energy sector to step up to play its part in taking on climate change.

“This industry has been viewed as part of the problem - that is not doing enough,” said Dr. Jaber at the opening of the energy sector event ADIPEC ’23. “And in some cases, even blocking progress. This is your opportunity to show the world you are central to the solution.”

Some of the trends are indeed encouraging, such as attracting record-breaking ‘cleantech’ investments of $1.7 trillion, the addition of 440GW of renewable energy to global grids in 2023, and a threefold increase in electric vehicle sales in three years.

However, what’s needed is a well-managed and equitable energy transition plan.

“These are barrels that must be either replaced - or de-carbonised - to create a proper yet responsible rock climate, a pro-growth future,” he said. “It is one humungous task and a historic opportunity for growth and innovation.

“This represents the largest economic opportunity since the first Industrial Revolution.”