In support of the objectives of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the updated second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) outlines the country’s increased climate target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 31% compared to the business-as-usual scenario for the year 2030, which is projected to amount to 301 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), assuming a moderate annual economic growth rate based on historical trends. The reduction target translates into an absolute emission avoidance of 93.2 million metric tons of CO2e.
The UAE’s updated second NDC responds to the call of the Glasgow Climate Pact, a main outcome of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), for countries to strengthen the ambition of their NDCs by end-2022.
The document features a breakdown of the GHG emission reduction target by sector. The electricity sector is projected to be the highest contributor to the target at 66.4%, followed by the industrial sector at 16.6%, transport at 9.7%, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) at 5.3%, and waste at 2.1%.
As the UAE prepares to implement its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, announced in 2021, a long-term strategy is being developed to inform a higher economy-wide emission reduction target and enhanced climate change adaptation and resilience efforts, which will be included in the next NDC.
– source, Zawya
