MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The Climate Change Strategy in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 2023-2027 lays out a transformative path towards a sustainable future for Abu Dhabi.
With ambitious targets outlined across key sectors, the strategy is set to bring forth various economic, environmental and social benefits.
Reducing GHG Emissions in Key Sectors
The cornerstone of the strategy, recently issued by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), is a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 22 percent by 2027 compared to 2016 levels.
This reduction aligns with global climate goals aiming to limit temperature rise to 1.5–1.8 °C by 2030.
This includes a 41 percent reduction in electricity and water sectors, equating to approximately 16.6 million tonnes of emissions annually, a 10 percent reduction in transport emissions, amounting to about two million tonnes per year, and a 41 percent reduction in waste sector emissions, equal to around 2 million tonnes annually, in addition to a 20 percent reduction in agriculture emissions, cutting about 519,000 tonnes per year from 2016 levels.
Targets for the percentage of GHG emissions to be reduced in the industrial sector are being developed. In the oil and gas sector, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) aims to reduce operational emissions intensity by 25 percent by 2030.
The strategy is also focused on enhancing resilience across infrastructure, energy, environment, and health sectors through robust adaptation plans in place to ensure Abu Dhabi is prepared to withstand and adapt to climate change impacts.
Moreover, the strategy targets the removal of three percent of total emissions through natural and artificial carbon sinks by 2027, amounting to approximately four million tonnes of CO2 per year.
Promoting economic diversification and innovation in low-carbon technologies is also a key objective of the strategy, which aims to commit 10 percent of Abu Dhabi's investments to ESG compliant companies by 2050.
Economic, Environmental, Health Benefits
The strategy anticipates significant economic benefits despite initial investment costs.
Models project potential GDP gains of over Dh975 billion by 2050, with a focus on pathways that align with global climate targets.
These gains are set against estimated costs, underlining the economic prudence of proactive climate action.
Environmental gains highlighted in the strategy include improved air quality and reduced health risks associated with pollutants and heat waves.
Reductions in air pollutants like black carbon and sulfur dioxide are expected to enhance ecosystem health and energy system flexibility, contributing to a sustainable future.
The strategy's focus on emissions reduction is also expected to lead to significant public health improvements, including fewer heat-related deaths and lower rates of disease linked to air pollution.
Vulnerable populations, such as outdoor workers and the elderly, stand to benefit the most from these health improvements.