UAE aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31% by 2030

The UAE Cabinet has approved increased economy-wide greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The Cabinet, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved an updated version of the UAE’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

In support of the UAE’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the new document outlines the country’s increased climate target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 31% compared to the 2030 business-as-usual scenario, i.e. Based on historical trends and assuming moderate annual economic growth, it is expected to reach 301 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).

A report by the Wam news agency said the reduction target translates into an absolute avoidance of 93.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The UAE’s updated second NDC echoes the call for the Glasgow Climate Pact, the main outcome of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), for countries to step up their NDC ambitions by the end of 2022.

The document breaks down greenhouse gas reduction targets by industry. The power sector is expected to be the largest contributor to the target at 66.4%, followed by industry at 16.6%, transportation at 9.7%, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) at 5.3% and waste at 2.1%.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The UAE has an extraordinary track record in both local and global climate efforts. Thanks to its wisely led vision for the future, the country has presented its climate ambitions for the first time, with submissions in 2015 and 2020 respectively. The second NDC. Today, we mark a new milestone in our voluntary commitment to environmental protection and climate action as we respond to the Glasgow Climate Pact’s call to raise our greenhouse gas reduction targets.”

She added: “As host of COP28, the UAE will continue to meet its climate ambitions in 2023 and beyond. With the submission of the updated second NDC, we demonstrate our commitment to further increase our ambitions each year as new Solutions and initiatives become available.”