Environment & Climate
Investigation links IPCC climate authors to Saudi fossil fuel interests
The Guardian reports that UN climate panel authors have ties to Saudi Aramco and state institutions.
The short version
- An investigation reported by The Guardian revealed at least 12 UN IPCC climate report authors have connections to Saudi Aramco, state institutions, or fossil fuel interests.[The Guardian]
- The findings identify 20 total cases with strong potential conflict-of-interest concerns, with more than half linked to Saudi entities.[The Guardian]
- Critical observers and climate experts questioned the IPCC's governance after its review committee declared no conflicts among authors in March 2026.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- An investigation found at least a dozen IPCC lead authors employed by or linked to Saudi Aramco, Saudi institutions, or other fossil fuel interests.[The Guardian]
- Out of 20 strong conflict of interest cases identified in the report, 11 were linked to Saudi institutions.[The Guardian]
- Dr Malak Al-Nory serves as an IPCC Working Group III vice-chair while remaining a senior adviser to the Saudi energy ministry and representing Saudi Arabia at UN climate negotiations.[The Guardian]
- In March 2026, the IPCC's conflict of interest committee concluded there were no conflicts of interest among authors selected for the Seventh Assessment Report.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- External experts and advocacy campaigners dispute whether the IPCC's conflict of interest policy is fit for purpose or being properly applied.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- How Saudi oil scientists ended up working on the world’s most important climate reportsThe Guardian - Science