emirates7 - The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) have announced substantial progress in implementing the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy for 2023–2027, which aims to enhance the emirate's resilience to climate risks, support its climate neutrality goals, and ensure sustainable economic growth.
The announcement was made during the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. COP29 provided a significant platform for accelerating global climate action as rising temperatures and extreme weather events continue to impact the world.
The strategy focuses on improving adaptation capabilities to climate impacts while attracting investment, reducing emissions across key sectors as part of the move toward a low-carbon economy, and fostering innovation. It is the first of its kind in the region, emphasizing both mitigation—through emission reductions—and adaptation to climate change’s effects, especially on vulnerable sectors.
The strategy sets a goal to reduce emissions by the equivalent of 500 million trees' worth of carbon sequestration over ten years. It aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050 and is structured around 77 strategic projects led by 14 governmental and non-governmental entities over five years.
A report on the strategy's progress, covering its first year since its launch in July 2023, states that by the end of 2024, about 26 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent will have been reduced. This is a crucial step toward achieving the target of a 22% reduction in emissions by 2027, compared to 2016 levels. The report shows that 26% of the projects are already underway, including key initiatives such as a feasibility study for carbon emissions reduction and the Al Dhafra Solar Power Project.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, emphasized Abu Dhabi’s commitment to accelerating energy sector transformation and climate neutrality by 2050. He highlighted several projects contributing to emissions reductions, such as the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Plant, and Al Dhafra PV Solar Power Plant, which collectively reduce millions of metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, discussed the strategy's main adaptation target: providing full protection for the sectors most vulnerable to climate change. She also pointed out that Abu Dhabi is leading efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy, with initiatives such as the shift toward generating 60% of the emirate’s electricity from clean and renewable sources by 2035. Furthermore, she acknowledged the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's plan to accelerate emissions reduction efforts, aiming for climate neutrality by 2045 and zero methane emissions by 2030.
The announcement was made during the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. COP29 provided a significant platform for accelerating global climate action as rising temperatures and extreme weather events continue to impact the world.
The strategy focuses on improving adaptation capabilities to climate impacts while attracting investment, reducing emissions across key sectors as part of the move toward a low-carbon economy, and fostering innovation. It is the first of its kind in the region, emphasizing both mitigation—through emission reductions—and adaptation to climate change’s effects, especially on vulnerable sectors.
The strategy sets a goal to reduce emissions by the equivalent of 500 million trees' worth of carbon sequestration over ten years. It aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050 and is structured around 77 strategic projects led by 14 governmental and non-governmental entities over five years.
A report on the strategy's progress, covering its first year since its launch in July 2023, states that by the end of 2024, about 26 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent will have been reduced. This is a crucial step toward achieving the target of a 22% reduction in emissions by 2027, compared to 2016 levels. The report shows that 26% of the projects are already underway, including key initiatives such as a feasibility study for carbon emissions reduction and the Al Dhafra Solar Power Project.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, emphasized Abu Dhabi’s commitment to accelerating energy sector transformation and climate neutrality by 2050. He highlighted several projects contributing to emissions reductions, such as the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Plant, and Al Dhafra PV Solar Power Plant, which collectively reduce millions of metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, discussed the strategy's main adaptation target: providing full protection for the sectors most vulnerable to climate change. She also pointed out that Abu Dhabi is leading efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy, with initiatives such as the shift toward generating 60% of the emirate’s electricity from clean and renewable sources by 2035. Furthermore, she acknowledged the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's plan to accelerate emissions reduction efforts, aiming for climate neutrality by 2045 and zero methane emissions by 2030.