UAE Leaders Drive Net Zero Agenda in Abu Dhabi

Climate experts, government officials, and industry leaders gathered at The Louvre in Abu Dhabi for the second national Majlis session, a precursor to the upcoming COP28. Hosted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the event focused on assessing Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s progress towards the ambitious Net Zero 2050 target.

Chaired by H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri and H.E. Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, the Majlis delved into accelerants and barriers to achieving Net Zero, exploring key aspects such as government-private sector partnerships, local energy transition initiatives, legislative hurdles, and collaborative actions to propel the Net Zero agenda forward.

The spotlight of the session was on the recently launched UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, aligned with the Paris Agreement. Almheiri outlined the strategy’s pillars across six sectors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration at both federal and local levels, involving the private sector and society. Attendees praised the Strategy, recognizing its potential to foster sustainability for economic growth and climate action across sectors.

As COP28 approaches, the event addressed innovative climate actions and outcomes in the UAE. Almheiri stressed the need for ambitious solutions, underlining the urgency for immediate action. Al Marar commended the upcoming COP28 UAE Changemaker Majlis, reiterating the country’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation, inspired by the visionary Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

H.E. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi highlighted the pivotal role of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in increasing the share of clean energy and contributing significantly to Net Zero goals. He emphasized the importance of individual awareness regarding carbon footprints and aligning consumption with environmental goals.

Interactive discussions at the Majlis involved representatives from the private sector, scientific community, academia, and local communities. Participants reviewed strategies, giving emphasis to regulations driving sustainability, the significance of financing scientific research, and the necessity for a stronger commitment from the private sector. The meeting underscored the importance of training workers and technicians in sustainable systems and raising societal awareness to modify behaviors towards achieving the Net Zero target.