COP28 starts today in Dubai, minus one notable attendee: Pope Francis confirmed yesterday that he’d be sitting out the United Nations climate conference on doctor’s orders. But that wasn’t the biggest thing threatening to derail proceedings… It’s being held in the United Arab Emirates (aka a major oil producer) and will be led by Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber (who is CEO of one of the world’s largest oil companies). And earlier this week, the BBC and Centre for Climate Reporting published leaked documents showing Al-Jaber planned to use the climate talks to negotiate global oil deals. “I can’t believe it” was how UN Secretary-General António Guterres reacted to those reports, but Al-Jaber denies that deals are being done… Australia’s delegation led by Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will be there for the action that kicks off in earnest tomorrow.