UAE Pres. supports world's efforts to addressing climate change

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed is also aware of the significance of engaging the UAE as an active and influential party in global initiatives and programmes aimed at preserving the environment and reducing emissions rates, which had great impact in enhancing the country'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) emphasises the UAE’s support for the efforts of brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt to deliver success to the current edition, which comes amidst an international desire for the importance of implementing the outcomes of previous conferences, and starting a new phase of joint global cooperation, towards ensuring sustainability of natural resources.

The participation also cements His Highness Sheikh Mohamed's effective role in the work system of climate change globally which has reflected in the country's stature as it has become a global platform for discussing climate change issues, as well as ways of working to achieve the transition in the field of energy, in line with the developments in the world's climate.

The UAE President's speech while addressing COP27 emphasises the UAE's unwavering approach aimed at enhancing the efforts made worldwide, and mirrors the country's commitment to working with mechanisms aligned with the objectives of the 'Paris Agreement' to motivate countries to prepare and adopt long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the rise in global temperatures.

Last year, in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, witnessed the launch of the UAE Net Zero emissions by 2050 strategic initiative.

His Highness emphasised that the UAE continues its active and influential role globally in the issue of climate change, and its support for climate action efforts and developing international cooperation to benefit from all economic and social opportunities.

His Highness indicated, during the launch, that we aim, by achieving the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, to develop a comprehensive government approach that ensures sustainable economic growth in the country, and provides a model for work and cooperation to ensure a better future for humanity.

This year, His Highness stressed, during his participation in the "Third Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF)'', that climate change is a very crucial issue, and it must be addressed through cooperation and joint action, to avoid its negative impact and its huge cost on humans, societies, the environment and the global economy.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also indicated that the world is going through a critical stage in the climate action field today, which requires us to accelerate efforts and joint work, noting that the climate change impacts are reflected on all countries and societies, and these impacts are constantly increasing, and will have a great cost on the global economy, human life and environmental diversity.

The UAE’s hosting of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP 28), next year, underscores the strategic position that the UAE wields in spearheading international efforts in climate change issues, and represents a high international appreciation for the UAE’s prominent role in this regard.

The UAE experience shows that climate action can positively affect the country's economic performance, as it helps stimulate growth and attract new investments, and constitutes a starting point for developing new sectors and modernising existing sectors, in addition to generating sustainable and rewarding jobs.

The UAE was the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to use and deploy renewable energy on a large scale. It was also the first to pursue peaceful nuclear energy capabilities.

Earlier this year, the UAE announced the Start-up of Unit 3 of the four units of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plan. The UAE also took the lead in introducing the Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage (CCUS) technology on an industrial scale. Today, the UAE is striving to explore new zero-emission technologies such as green hydrogen.

The UAE is home to three of the largest and state-of-the-art solar power plants in the world, including the Al Dhafra Solar Project in Abu Dhabi, which in 2020 set a record low cost of electricity production from solar energy to 1.35 cents per kilowatt-hour. By providing inexhaustible energy at affordable prices, these investments provide a tangible evidence of the economic benefits of climate action.

As a leading and responsible member of the international community, the UAE is cooperating with other countries to tap climate action opportunities, recognising its enormous economic benefits, while the coming period will witness a continuation of the UAE's role in support of the international community's efforts to reach global goals.