As COP28 Enters Its Final Days, Dubai Targets 50% Emissions Reduction By 2030

Dubai has announced major sustainability plans to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by the end of the decade. The development coincides with Expo City Dubai’s hosting of the COP28 climate conference until December 12.

“Dubai is committed to co-operating with cities around the world keen on … impactful climate action, to contribute to reducing emissions and achieving the targets of the Paris climate agreement,” said Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai.

UAE’s Contribution To Sustainability Efforts

The announcement reflects the emirate’s full commitment to a sustainable future locally and globally, he noted. According to Ahmed Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the move goes in line with efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The UAE unveiled an ambitious strategic initiative in 2021 to reduce carbon emissions by the middle of the century. The plan targets Dh600 billion ($163.37 billion) being invested in clean and renewable energy sources in the next 30 years.

The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighted at the time the Middle Eastern country’s intention to “play its global role in combating climate change.”

Meanwhile, the current UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had said: “The … Initiative announced today is consistent with the long-standing vision of the UAE and its people to make a significant contribution to global sustainability efforts.”

Paris Deal: Limiting Global Warming To 1.5C

The Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative made the Emirates the first Gulf country to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The key move aligns with the Paris Agreement. Agreed to in 2015, the Paris deal seeks to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

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The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and the then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the UAE’s commitment. The initiative takes into consideration key economic sectors in the country and supports their efforts to benefit from Green growth opportunities.