The United Arab Emirates announced on Thursday, October 7, the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
It is a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making the UAE the first Middle East and North Africa nation to do so.
The initiative was announced at Expo 2020 Dubai with the attendance of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
It reportedly aims to underpin dynamic economic growth alongside positive environmental impact.
The UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative aligns with the Paris Agreement, which calls on countries to prepare long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the rise in global temperature to 1.50 C compared to pre-industrial levels.
Thursday’s announcement reportedly takes into consideration the needs and priorities of the economic sectors in the country, and supports their efforts to benefit from green growth opportunities.
Federal and local government authorities are expected to be responsible for preparing comprehensive studies and developing plans that introduce the measures necessary to reduce emissions.
They will simultaneously be responsible for ensuring economic growth based on principles of sustainability.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment or MOCCAE will reportedly lead and coordinate efforts to execute the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and ensure collaboration at national level to fulfill this objective.
Stakeholders in key sectors, such as energy, economy, industry, infrastructure, transport, waste, agriculture, and the environment, will be expected to update relevant plans, strategies, and policies, and also implement initiatives and projects to achieve net zero by 2050
However, they will have to do this in line with their needs and growth requirements.
The implementation of the initiative is expected to entail close cooperation with civil society, foreign governments, and international organizations, including the International Renewable Energy Agency or IRENA, which is headquartered in the UAE and currently engages with 184 countries.
Commenting on the announcement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said, “We are committed to seize the opportunity to cement our leadership on climate change within our region and take this key economic opportunity to drive development, growth and new jobs as we pivot our economy and nation to net zero. With an investment of over AED600 billion (more than $160 billion) in renewable energy, our vision for a clean future is clear.”