The UAE on Wednesday formally ratified the Paris Climate Agreement after the Cabinet’s approval on September 4.

 

Dr. Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, submitted the UAE’s documents ratifying the country’s entry into the Paris Agreement to the United Nations during a meeting convened on Wednesday by the UN Secretary General in New York.

 

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in June began developing the UAE National Climate Change Plan, which will set a national framework for climate action. The Climate Change Plan is being designed in consultation with the government, business stakeholders, academia and civil society organisations and will prove that climate action can go hand in hand with increased economic growth and development.

 

Playing its part to tackle climate change, the UAE has come up with policies and initiatives that aim to diversify the economy into new, knowledge-based industries.

 

The UAE has led the region in deploying clean energy, with pioneering projects and policies in renewable and nuclear energy, energy and water efficiency, and carbon sequestration and was the first in the region to set a clean energy target of 24 per cent by 2021. It has also deployed energy-saving infrastructure — from strict green build codes to world-class light rail and metro systems.

 

In an unprecedented show of political will, more than 175 countries signed the agreement in April 2016. So far, 60 countries, representing just 48 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, have ratified the agreement. To enter into force, it must be ratified by at least 55 countries representing at least 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. (GULF NEWS)

 

 

PHOTO: Dr. Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi with Ban Ki Moon after the UAE ratified the Paris Climate Agreement in New York.

CREDIT: WAM.