Today's Edition
SHUROUQ AWAD (DUBAI)
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) is continuing to implement ongoing environmental and climate initiatives and projects that where announced during COP28, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, protecting local and international environments from the effects of global climate change, achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and raising community awareness of climate challenges, among other goals.
The Ministry’s initiatives and projects at the local level provide opportunities to develop the green economy, implement policies to reduce carbon emissions, improve the quality of life for citizens and residents, enhance air quality, preserve natural and environmental resources, and help promote food security.
At the international level, the initiatives and projects contribute to combating the global climate crisis, protecting the environment, promoting sustainability, and employing technology in fields like renewable energy and water resource management.
The projects and initiatives include the National Adaptation Plan Roadmap to climate change marks a significant achievement in the UAE’s climate action journey. The roadmap will determine the country’s path towards developing and implementing the national action plan, helping strengthen national capacities to withstand climate change, identifying priority areas for the national action plan, aligning national policies, and specifying key measures for government, society, and the economy.
The National Carbon Registry, the first of its kind in the region, tracks emission reductions in the private sector. The project supports the UAE’s 2050 climate neutrality strategy, helps the UAE meet its commitments under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and encourages green investments.
The Integrated Emissions Quantification Tool, the first of its kind in the region, aims to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, inventory air quality pollutants, and support mitigation efforts.
The UAE Environmental Identity is a new national project designed to encourage individuals in the UAE to reduce carbon emissions. Supported by the MoCCAE, and launched by National Experts Programme graduate Abdulla Al Rumaithi, the application allows all members of the community to positively change their behaviour to reduce their carbon footprints.
The UAE Circular Economy Landscape report identifies effective measures that various public and private sector entities can apply to transition to a more circular economy. The report, prepared by the MoCCAE, the Global Green Growth Institute, and key partners from the UAE Circular Economy Council, confirms that adopting the circular economy model represents not only an opportunity to enhance climate action, but also an economic opportunity. The UAE is implementing the first circular economy policy in the region to ensure that the country embraces all the opportunities provided by the transition.
The Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Food Security Project, is a result of a memorandum of understanding between the MoCCAE and Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The project aims to enhance cooperation in agriculture, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and food security between the two countries.
The Carbon Balances Project aims to achieve the internationally agreed upon Sustainable Development Goals through sharing information, knowledge, best practices, and experiences on carbon balances, national regulatory frameworks, and policies governing the management and development of greenhouse gas mitigation activities.
Reflecting the UAE’s long term commitment to preserving marine environments, the 2030 Seagrass initiative aims to stimulate a global fund for seagrasses of at least $122 million. The initiative will be launched on the World Seagrass Day in March 2024. The UAE will also host the Global Freshwater Challenge, demonstrating the country’s dedication to preserving vital habitats and fostering a sustainable relationship with nature.
The “Doubling Investments, Partnerships, and Innovations in Climate-Smart Food Systems and Agriculture” project is the result of the efforts of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate initiative, a global initiative led by the UAE and the US. Investments have surged from $8 billion to $17 billion, supported by over 600 partners. The success of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing climate-smart agriculture, leveraging advanced technology as a crucial tool to boost sector productivity and resilience.
The UAE’s Financing the Future of Food (F3) initiative aims to de-risk private sector capital and help transform global food systems using innovative new bonds. These bonds will increase institutional investor funding to support transformative investments, demonstrating that alternative financing models can achieve goals without burdening government financing. With aligned incentives, all parties can perform better when projects succeed and demonstrate their impact. Investors and project developers benefiting from the F3 initiative structure will be able to advance their investments, ultimately creating more impact.
