THE Asia Energy Conference held in Kuala Lumpur this week took an unexpected and unfortunate turn. Oil giants, including the head of the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries) cartel, declared that expansion of their industry to meet what they say is a skyrocketing demand for oil in the region should take precedence over action to combat climate change and as far as their own plans are concerned, it will.

While balancing energy security and climate security is a delicate challenge, the stubborn and paternalistic position taken by the oil industry is self-serving, destructive and insulting. The best response to it by our government and our regional partners is to remain committed to their energy transition strategies and prove the petroleum industry wrong.