UAE Climate Council Explores Net-Zero Efforts with Private Sector

The UAE Climate Council, headed by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), discussed priorities on the country’s climate agenda at its first meeting, held at the MOCCAE headquarters.

H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri said: “The current acceleration and exacerbation of the impacts of climate change around the world requires strengthening cooperation and scaling up action to achieve net zero.

"Owing to the forward-looking vision of its wise leadership, the UAE is leading on this front with its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”

She added: “Through creating a joint framework that keeps pace with the directions of the country’s leadership, the Council seeks to align efforts of government entities and increase the participation of the private sector in our drive to reduce GHG emissions and reach climate neutrality.

"This will help us build a sustainable future, enhance the status and competitiveness of the UAE, and support the country in meeting its voluntary commitments to the Paris Agreement.”

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As the first order of business, the Council members received a brief on the progress of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, launched in October 2021.

They explored the mechanism for developing an implementation strategy for the initiative, including a status quo assessment of emissions and their sources, the legislative framework required to achieve its goals, evaluation of potential climate change challenges and relevant mitigation measures.

The attendees also examined the initiatives launched by MOCCAE to boost the involvement of the private sector in achieving net zero, including the National Dialogue for Climate Ambition – a series of stakeholder assemblies targeting priority sectors.

The sectors include - industry, cement, transport, and waste, to foster sectoral climate efforts – and the UAE Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge, which aims to advance emission reduction nationwide.

The next item on the agenda was an overview of the updated version of the UAE’s second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which raises the country’s climate ambition and GHG emission reduction target.

Moreover, the members discussed the UAE’s participation in the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) that will be hosted by Egypt in November 2022.

The UAE Cabinet, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the establishment of the UAE Climate Council in May 2022.

In addition, it is tasked with highlighting the UAE’s climate action, facilitating participation in international conferences and other events, and driving scientific research in relevant fields.

The new council comprises eight representatives of federal government entities, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Economy, Industry and Advanced Technology, and Education, the Office of the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and the General Civil Aviation Authority.

Seven members are from local government entities, namely, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, and Umm Al Quwain Municipality.

Besides, the Environmental Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, and the Fujairah Environment Authority are also part of the council.

Several private sector representatives were selected for the council membership according to special criteria for developing the GHG inventory issued by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for the sectors that contribute to carbon emissions.

These include Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Emirates Global Aluminium, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and Union Cement Company.

Read More: MOCCAE Highlights Role of Sustainable Finance In Achieving Net Zero