World Petroleum Congress supports Paris climate deal
BUSINESS
By Huang Tianchen

2017-07-12 18:37 GMT+8

7086km to Beijing

By CGTN’s Michal Bardavid

Hot topics in the field of energy are under discussion at this year’s World Petroleum Congress in Istanbul, where the Paris Agreement has caught the most attention.

The 22nd World Petroleum Congress, the largest meeting of oil and gas industry, takes place in Istanbul, Turkey. /VCG Photo

The Paris Agreement was recently discussed by G20 leaders at the summit in Hamburg. 19 members of the group agreed that the climate accord is “irreversible” and that the responsibilities must be implemented as soon as possible.

Despite calls by several leaders to reconsider, the US stuck to its’ decision to withdraw from the agreement. Some leaders in the oil industry have emphasized that the remaining countries’ commitment to the deal is even more significant.

“I hope that the US will revise their position, but I think that you have Europe, you have China, India, who are committed, all these three regions represent more than 50 percent of the emissions so you know Paris Agreement is a matter of necessity for the planet, including for oil and gas companies,” Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of Total SA, a French oil and gas conglomerate said.

Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of Total SA, speaks during the 22nd World Petroleum Congress in Istanbul, Turkey, July 11, 2017. /VCG Photo

But it's not only the US that might create obstacles to the deal. 

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey would not support the deal if promises made by former French President Francois Hollande were not kept. 

“We signed the agreement, but during the negotiation process the former French president promised to define Turkey's status among the developing countries. The agreement will not pass our Parliament if this promise isn't kept,” Erdogan stressed.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech at the 22nd World Petroleum Congress in Istanbul, Turkey, July 10, 2017. /VCG Photo

It’s not clear whether Turkey would seriously consider quitting the agreement. 

And though the US withdrawal has created an obstacle in the process, it seems leaders in the energy field are determined to stick to it. 

According to Mohammed Barkindo, Secretary-General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), all member countries of OPEC support the climate accord for building a better energy future.

Signed by 195 countries in April 2016, the Paris Agreement intends to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing carbon emissions and limiting global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius.

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