UAE announces ambitious climate commitments

In its second NDC document, the country outlined its enhanced climate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5 per cent compared to business as usual for the year 2030

The duo patiently wait for their catch of the day. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

DUBAI

The UAE has submited its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) document to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Approved by the UAE Cabinet in early December, the document outlines the country’s enhanced climate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5 per cent compared to business as usual for the year 2030. This translates into absolute emission reduction of about 70 million tons. The UAE’s efforts to reduce emissions include increasing reliance on clean energy, boosting energy efficiency, expanding capacity for carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS), conserving blue carbon ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and implementing environment-friendly waste management.

Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The UAE’s commitment to driving climate action at home and abroad has been steadfast. It was the first country in the region to ratify the Paris Agreement in 2015. And in the past five years, it has achieved multiple milestones on the climate mitigation and adaptation fronts.”