• The UAE commits to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 47% from 2019 levels by 2035, marking a significant increase from its previous 40% target for 2030.
• The plan details sector-specific reductions, with substantial cuts in buildings (79%), waste (37%), and industry (27%), emphasizing the country’s shift from fossil fuel dependence.
• Critics argue the plan lacks credibility due to continued fossil fuel investments and omission of exported emissions.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced an ambitious climate plan ahead of next week’s COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, becoming the first major emitter to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) before the February 2025 deadline. The UAE’s third NDC outlines a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 47% by 2035, compared to 2019 levels. This target aims to cut emissions from 196.3 MtCO2eq in 2019 to 103.5 MtCO2eq by 2035, supporting the country’s longer-term net zero ambition by 2050.

Sector-Specific Goals:

The new NDC sets out reductions across key sectors:

• Buildings: Targeting a 79% cut to 15 MtCO2eq.
• Waste: Reducing emissions by 37% to achieve a 1.8 MtCO2eq decrease.
• Industry: Cutting emissions by 27% to 68 MtCO2eq.
• Transport: Aiming for a 20% reduction to 24 MtCO2eq.
• Agriculture: Slated for a 39% decrease, translating to 1.6 MtCO2eq.

This updated approach shifts from previous business-as-usual (BAU) metrics to a base-year scenario, offering clearer comparisons and stricter targets.

Related Article: UAE To Commit $54 Billion for Sustainable Energy Investment by 2030

Energy Transition and Commitments:

Despite its climate pledges, the UAE, one of the top 10 oil producers globally, plans to increase fossil fuel output by 2030. Ahead of COP28, the UAE’s national oil company invested $17 billion in offshore gas field development. While the country is expanding solar capacity, waste-to-energy projects, and civil nuclear energy to aid its transition, these investments raise questions about the feasibility of meeting its climate commitments.

Global and Local Significance:

NDCs are pivotal to the Paris Agreement, guiding nations toward net-zero emissions and limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The UAE’s plan represents the first significant test of the commitments made during COP28 to phase out fossil fuels, setting the stage for global discussions on balancing ambitious goals with continued economic reliance on oil and gas.

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