White House representatives arrive at climate talks in Poland on Monday to promote coal and other fossil fuels.
It’s expected that President Donald Trump’s energy adviser, Wells Griffith, will take part in the COP24 event.
The controversial meeting occurs as investors managing $32tn (£25tn) in assets call for an end to coal as a source of energy. Meanwhile, ministers from around 130 countries arrive here to try and steer the talks to a successful conclusion.
Just as at last year’s gathering in Bonn, the Trump White House is keen to show strong support for fossil fuels. According to a statement from the US State Department, the event will “showcase ways to use fossil fuels as cleanly and efficiently as possible, as well as the use of emission-free nuclear energy”. Last year’s event was disrupted by singing protesters keen to point out that the pro-coal and gas lobby were not welcome at the UN event. This year’s meeting has environmentalists questioning its relevance.
“The event is going to further undermine the credibility of the US as a party in these talks,” said Lou Leonard with WWF.
“It is going to have virtually no impact on the actual talks – it’s a sideshow, it’s a side event, its not something related to what the parties are negotiating right now.”
The White House-endorsed event does indeed seem to be out of step with the wider conference, where green campaigners are likely be cheered by the news that 415 investors with around $32tn of assets under management are calling for greater action on climate change and an end to coal as a source of energy.
