The UAE cabinet meeting recently granted approval to 78 environmental projects and initiatives, showcasing the Emirates’ commitment to hosting COP28 at Expo City Dubai in November.
These projects encompass a range of initiatives, including the implementation of national strategies to reduce carbon emissions, regulations on solar energy product usage, sustainable tourism, and other endeavors that foster sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
The UAE has long been at the forefront of climate action in the GCC, being the first member to establish a national climate strategy in 2017 and the first to pledge achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Notably, ADNOC, the UAE’s largest oil exporter, has allocated a substantial $15 billion towards decarbonization projects, such as carbon capture, electrification, and the adoption of new CO2 absorption technology.
By hosting COP28, the UAE aspires to facilitate the formulation of tangible solutions that enable individuals and communities to adapt to climate change and effectively manage its escalating impacts.
Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement at COP21 in 2015, which aimed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, seven years have passed, leaving seven more years until 2030. During this critical timeframe, emissions must be reduced by 43% to maintain the goals and aspirations of the Paris Agreement, emphasized COP28 UAE President Designate Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber at the 14th Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin.
Dr. Al Jaber, also serving as the CEO of ADNOC, has consistently stressed the urgency of phasing out fossil fuel emissions while actively pursuing viable and affordable zero-carbon alternatives.
