The efforts being made around the world to address the effects of climate change have the support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
President Sheikh Mohamed is also aware of the importance of including the UAE as a prominent and active participant in international initiatives and programs designed to protect the environment and lower emissions levels, as doing so significantly improved the nation’s presence in various climate-related forums.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed’s participation in the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) highlights the UAE’s backing of the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt’s efforts to make the current conference successful. This comes at a time when the world is emphasizing the significance of putting previous conferences’ decisions into practice and beginning a new phase of collaborative global cooperation to ensure the sustainability of natural resources.
The participation also reinforces His Highness Sheikh Mohamed’s significant contribution to the global effort to combat climate change, which has enhanced the stature of the nation and made it a forum for discussion of issues related to climate change as well as strategies for achieving an energy transition that is consistent with global climate change.
The UAE President’s speech at COP27 highlighted the country’s unwavering approach to supporting global efforts and reflected its commitment to working with mechanisms in line with the goals of the “Paris Agreement” to encourage nations to develop and adopt long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the rise in global temperatures.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was present when the UAE Net Zero emissions by 2050 strategic initiative were introduced last year.
His Highness emphasized that the UAE continues to play a significant and active role in the global struggle to combat climate change, as well as in supporting efforts to build international cooperation and take advantage of all available economic and social benefits.
During the launch, His Highness stated that the goal of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative is to create a comprehensive government strategy that ensures sustainable economic growth in the nation and serves as a role model for collaboration and teamwork to ensure a better future for humanity.
This year, while taking part in the “Third Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF),” His Highness emphasized the importance of addressing climate change through cooperation and coordinated action in order to minimize its detrimental effects and enormous costs on people, societies, the environment, and the global economy.
His Majesty Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also stated that the world is currently going through a crucial phase in the fight against climate change, necessitating an acceleration of our efforts and cooperation. He noted that the effects of climate change are felt by all countries and societies, are constantly growing, and will have a significant negative impact on the world economy, human life, and environmental diversity.
The fact that the UAE will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) the following year highlights the strategic advantage the UAE enjoys in leading global efforts to address climate change issues. It also shows how highly regarded the UAE is on the international stage for its significant role in this regard.
The experience of the United Arab Emirates demonstrates how taking climate action can have a positive impact on a nation’s economic performance. This is because it encourages growth, draws in new investors, serves as a springboard for the creation of new sectors and the modernization of existing ones, as well as creating long-lasting and satisfying employment opportunities.
In the Middle East and North Africa, the UAE was the first nation to adopt and implement renewable energy on a major scale. Additionally, it was the first to look into peaceful nuclear energy options.
The start-up of Unit 3 of the four units of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plan was announced by the UAE earlier this year. The UAE also had a pioneering role in the industrial introduction of Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage (CCUS) technology. The UAE is currently working to investigate new zero-emission technologies like green hydrogen.
The Al Dhafra Solar Project in Abu Dhabi, which in 2020 established a record low cost of electricity production from solar energy to 1.35 cents per kilowatt-hour, is one of three of the largest and most modern solar power plants in the world. These projects offer concrete proof of the financial advantages of addressing climate change by offering unending energy at reasonable prices.
Recognizing the immense economic benefits of climate action, the UAE is working with other nations to take advantage of these opportunities. In the years to come, the UAE will continue to play a crucial role in advancing efforts by the international community to achieve global objectives.