Today's Edition
Mohammad Ghazal
The day has arrived for world leaders to come together in the UAE and forge a unified response to the most pressing issue of our time: climate change.
The highly anticipated COP28 conference kicks off today in the UAE, signalling the country's leading global role in the charge against the growing ramifications of climate change.
The UAE's leadership in this domain is not new; the country has been a consistent advocate for climate neutrality and sustainable development. By hosting COP28, the UAE underscores its position as a builder of bridges of understanding, connecting developed and developing nations in a united front against climate challenges.
The country's vision for COP28 is clear and ambitious. It aims to unite the world to act decisively and collaboratively, with the goal of achieving tangible and realistic solutions to the climate crisis.
This vision for the conference is inclusive and pragmatic, and recognises the need for all sectors – governments, private entities, NGOs, indigenous communities, and youth – to work hand-in-hand.
Beyond its pledge for inclusivity and its hosting of what is sure to be a hallmark moment for climate action, the UAE's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy is commendable.
With initiatives and policies geared towards achieving zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement, the UAE is setting a benchmark for others to follow. Its proactive approach in investing in clean energy and sustainable technologies positions it as a key contributor to the discussions and outcomes of COP28.
The UAE's Energy Strategy 2050 sets ambitious goals, bringing a phased change to the country's energy landscape with a focus on sustainability by increasing consumption efficiency by 42% - 45% compared with 2019.
By 2030, the strategy aims to increase the contribution of clean energy capacity to 30% of the total energy mix.
The UAE's leadership in climate action extends beyond its borders. On the global stage, the UAE is a leader in green investments and clean energy projects. Spanning over 70 countries, the UAE has invested more than $50 billion in clean energy projects and the country also pledged to invest another $50 billion in clean energy projects both domestically and internationally over the next decade.
Another notable aspect of the UAE's major role in climate financing is its substantial contribution of over $1.5 billion in aid and concessional loans for renewable energy projects worldwide, including renewable energy projects in 30 developing island countries.
A Realistic Goal
One of the highlights of COP28 is its focus on realistic and achievable climate solutions. The gathering aspires to align global efforts towards limiting the Earth's temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
It also seeks to accelerate the energy transition by targeting a 43% cut in emissions by 2030, and implementing more effective climate financing mechanisms.
The UAE's efforts have already borne fruit, with the COP28 team's concerted efforts successfully rallying international support for tripling renewable energy production capacity by the end of this decade – a proposal endorsed by a vast majority of the world's economies.
Furthermore, the UAE has been instrumental in persuading over 20 oil and gas-producing companies to commit to zero methane emissions by 2030, demonstrating the nation's effective role as a catalyst for transformative action.
The global gathering in the UAE also provides a crucial platform for developing countries and island nations, who bear the brunt of climate change to voice their concerns and seek effective solutions for securing climate financing.
Additionally, the UAE's adoption of technology and focus on research in addressing climate change will serve as a model for other nations to emulate.
The country's commitment to innovation and developing cutting edge solutions, especially in the carbon capture front and smart grids, has garnered international recognition.
As the world comes together at COP28 under the visionary leadership of the UAE, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination. With its technological prowess and unwavering commitment to sustainability, and the host of COP28, the UAE proves itself as a force to reckon with in the realm of sustainable and inclusive climate action.
The writer is the Managing Editor of Aletihad English.
