Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) have announced significant progress in implementing the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027.
The strategy aims to enhance the emirate’s resilience to climate change risks, support efforts to achieve climate neutrality goals and the outcomes of the UAE Consensus, continue the UAE’s global leadership in sustainability, and ensure sustainable economic growth.
The joint announcement came on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, 2024, which represents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action to address the climate crisis.
The forum brings together leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society to find tangible solutions to climate change, as global temperatures rise to record levels and extreme weather events impact people around the world.
The strategy focuses on achieving climate leadership by improving the ability to adapt to expected impacts while still attracting investment, reducing emissions from key sectors in an ongoing drive towards a low-carbon economy, and enhancing innovation.
The first of its kind in the region, the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy is based on mitigation by reducing the emirate’s emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change by protecting the most vulnerable sectors from its repercussions.
The target emissions reduction is the equivalent to 500 million trees storing carbon dioxide over 10 years.
The strategy constitutes Abu Dhabi's plan to reach Net Zero by 2050 and is being implemented over a period of five years through 77 strategic projects implemented by 14 governmental and non-governmental entities.
According to the report issued by the committee, which has monitored the achievements made in the first year of the strategy’s launch since July 2023, about 26 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent will have been reduced by the end of 2024.
This is a significant achievement towards achieving the strategy’s ultimate goal of reducing by 22 percent the emirate’s emissions by 2027, compared to the base year 2016.
The report monitored the progress of the strategy’s projects, 77 of which support four main axes, including adaptation, mitigation, economic diversification, and cross-cutting topics.
The completion rate of all projects planned during the strategy period is currently at 26 percent.
This includes the completion of 20 major projects, including a feasibility study to reduce and trade carbon emissions, and the development of the Al Dhafra Solar Power Project.
Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, affirmed, “Participating in COP29 is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and set new standards for climate action. Abu Dhabi remains committed to leading collaboration with strategic partners and stakeholders to accelerate the transformation of the energy sector toward a sustainable future and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, further strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for sustainability and clean, renewable energy.”
He further highlighted, “Abu Dhabi has strengthened its position as a leader in combating climate change by providing a range of innovative solutions and implementing several strategic projects, such as the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which reduces carbon emissions by 22 million metric tons annually—the equivalent of removing 4.8 million vehicles from the roads—and the Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Plant, which cuts carbon dioxide emissions by one million metric tons annually, equivalent to taking 200,000 vehicles off the roads. Additionally, the Al Dhafra PV Solar Power Plant reduces Abu Dhabi’s carbon dioxide emissions by over 2.4 million metric tons annually, comparable to removing 470,000 vehicles from the roads.”
He also highlighted that the list of projects includes the Taweelah Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant, which is the world’s largest reverse osmosis plant, and produces 200 million gallons of clean water per day, sufficient to meet the water needs of over 350,000 homes.
Secretary General of EAD, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, said, “The main adaptation target in the strategy aims for 100 percent protection for the sectors most vulnerable to the repercussions of climate change. Our efforts are combined with all relevant parties through the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Task Force to achieve the objectives of this strategy, which will play an effective role in enhancing Abu Dhabi’s ability to adapt to climate change, and protecting all of our sectors affected by the repercussions of climate change."
Al Dhaheri added, “Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is a major endeavour in all countries of the world, and Abu Dhabi can play a leading role in this transformation. By implementing the strategy’s targets, we will reduce the emirate’s total emissions by 22 percent compared to the 2016 baseline. For example, via our partnership with the Department of Energy, we will lead a major shift in diversifying energy sources to significantly reduce carbon emissions in this vital sector by setting new regulations that target generating 60 percent of Abu Dhabi’s electricity from clean and renewable sources by 2035."
Al Dhaheri concluded, "The Agency also supports Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s plan to accelerate emissions reduction efforts to help achieve its goal of climate neutrality by 2045 instead of the previously announced 2050, as well as zero methane emissions by 2030.”
