The Climate Briefing: Oil and gas producers in the Gulf: a deep dive (part 2 of 2)

Anna and Bhargabi speak with Robin Mills (Qamar Energy), Jessica Obeid (New Energy Consult) and Neil Quilliam about how the countries around the Gulf are approaching – and may be impacted by – the energy transition.

Audio

Published 20 May 2026 — 50 minute listen

All eyes are currently on the Gulf due to the US-Israeli war on Iran and the disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. In this two-part series, the Climate Briefing co-hosts and their guests take a deep dive into the region, which plays a crucial role in the global supply of oil and gas.

The first part of the series (released on 21 April) delved into the history of the region, addressing questions such as: How did the Gulf countries become such dominant fossil fuel exporters? What has this dominance meant for their geopolitical influence? And what role have oil and gas played in conflicts and coups in the region?

Part 2 focuses on how the countries around the Gulf are approaching – and may be impacted by – the energy transition. It also explores the implications that the US-Israeli war on Iran could have for the region in the medium to long term.

To discuss these issues, Anna and Bhargabi are joined by Robin Mills (CEO of Qamar Energy and Non-Resident Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University), Dr Neil Quilliam (Associate Fellow with Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Programme and Partner at Azure Strategy), and Jessica Obeid (Founding Partner at New Energy Consult and Board Advisor to various energy and policy institutions).

About The Climate Briefing  

The Climate Briefing explores key themes in the UN climate negotiations and international climate politics. The podcast is hosted by Bhargabi Bharadwaj and Anna Aberg from Chatham House and features interviewees from governments, international organizations, academia and civil society organizations from across the world. 
 
You can also listen to The Climate Briefing on Apple Podcasts and Spotify