Latest news with #COP28
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Oil-rich UAE orders emissions monitoring in new climate law
The United Arab Emirates, a major oil exporter, began mandatory emissions monitoring for companies on Friday under a new law targeting climate change. Greenpeace hailed the move, a first for the Middle East but already in place in dozens of countries worldwide, as a "bold leap toward regional climate leadership". The UAE, one of the world's top oil exporters, neighbours several oil-rich countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran along with Qatar, a leading gas producer. Under the new law, companies are required to report and reduce their emissions of the greenhouse gases that are responsible for global warming. Ghiwa Nakat, executive director of Greenpeace MENA, called it a "progressive move". "By institutionalising emissions monitoring and climate adaptation, the UAE is setting a compelling example for countries across the region," she said in a statement. Public and private companies now have to regularly monitor emissions and take steps to reduce them, or risk fines of up to two million dirhams ($545,000). However, Greenpeace said the UAE also needed to set clear reduction targets, especially for major sectors such as energy and transport. The UAE, which hosted the United Nations' COP28 climate talks in 2023, is targeting net-zero domestic carbon emissions by 2050. In its latest climate roadmap submitted to the UN, the Gulf monarchy committed to reducing emissions by 47 percent of 2019 levels by 2035. saa/th/srm
France 24
a day ago
- Business
- France 24
Oil-rich UAE orders emissions monitoring in new climate law
Greenpeace hailed the move, a first for the Middle East but already in place in dozens of countries worldwide, as a "bold leap toward regional climate leadership". The UAE, one of the world's top oil exporters, neighbours several oil-rich countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran along with Qatar, a leading gas producer. Under the new law, companies are required to report and reduce their emissions of the greenhouse gases that are responsible for global warming. Ghiwa Nakat, executive director of Greenpeace MENA, called it a "progressive move". "By institutionalising emissions monitoring and climate adaptation, the UAE is setting a compelling example for countries across the region," she said in a statement. Public and private companies now have to regularly monitor emissions and take steps to reduce them, or risk fines of up to two million dirhams ($545,000). However, Greenpeace said the UAE also needed to set clear reduction targets, especially for major sectors such as energy and transport. The UAE, which hosted the United Nations' COP28 climate talks in 2023, is targeting net-zero domestic carbon emissions by 2050. In its latest climate roadmap submitted to the UN, the Gulf monarchy committed to reducing emissions by 47 percent of 2019 levels by 2035.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tajikistan and UAE united in climate push as Dushanbe hosts glacier summit
29 May 2025 15:34 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Tajikistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Ashrafjon Gulov, said that the partnership between the UAE and Tajikistan is becoming a driving force for climate and water diplomacy, as Dushanbe is preparing to host a major international summit on glacier preservation.'When it comes to the water and climate partnership, Tajikistan and the UAE have a common vision in the international arena,' Gulov told Aletihad in an said that the UAE's growing role and experience in shaping global climate policies will be a key asset in achieving the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration. The Declaration is set to launch during the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, which kicked off in Dushanbe today and runs until June 1.'The UAE's enriched experience will significantly contribute to the advancement of the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration, taking into account the country being recognised as a global partner in climate-forward policy, a host of COP28, and a significant global investor in sustainable energy.'Gulov also highlighted the Emirates Polar Programme, which supports scientific research and exploration to address global challenges, and the UAE's role as host of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), describing both as examples of the country's commitment to sustainability and shared vision has translated into a series of high-level engagements, with the Ambassador pointing out Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon's participation in COP28 in Dubai, the visit of UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna Al Dahak, to the Dushanbe Water Conference in June 2024, and the joint hosting of a High-Level Event on Glaciers' Preservation by both countries at COP29 in efforts will continue into this week's Dushanbe summit, held as part of the UN-declared International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. According to the Ambassador, the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation seeks to bring global attention to the urgent need to protect glaciers as essential sources of water, energy, and food security.'By raising the need for glacier preservation, the Conference aims to align glacier preservation efforts with global goals for water availability, energy, and food security,' Gulov explained, adding that it will also focus on mobilising financial and technical resources to support the resilience of mountain communities and the sustainability of ecosystems conference also marks a culmination of Tajikistan's long-running advocacy to put water and climate at the centre of international diplomacy. Ambassador Gulov recalled that President Emomali Rahmon has led several initiatives adopted by the UN between 1999 and 2025, including the International Year for Fresh Water, the Water for Life Decade, the International Year of Water Cooperation, and the current Water for Sustainable Development Decade. The country has also championed the Dushanbe Water Process and launched the UN Groups of Friends on Water and Glaciers, with the goal of building lasting international momentum and coalitions around the protection of these critical home to 60% of Central Asia's water resources, is already witnessing the impact of glacial retreat. Over 1,300 of the country's 14,000 glaciers have disappeared, while the iconic Fedchenko Glacier has shrunk by 44 square kilometres. According to UNEP, more than half of Central Asia's glaciers could vanish by 2050, putting over 64 million people at said the conference will focus not only on scientific solutions like glacier monitoring, remote sensing, and engineering, but also on practical adaptation measures, including sustainable water management and terrace farming.'Sustainable agriculture can help protect mountain ecosystems. Among other practices, terrace farming, tailored to mountainous terrain, improves water management, reduces soil erosion, and preserves cultural heritage. Sustainable agriculture and water management, agri-food systems can help adapt to the climate crisis and increase livelihood resilience.'According to Gulov, concrete outcomes of the conference will include the Dushanbe Declaration on Glaciers, the Dushanbe Appeal, the launch of a Glacier Preservation Coalition, and new public-private partnerships to support climate-resilient infrastructure. The results will be carried into COP30 and the UN High-Level Political on the outcomes of the summit, the UAE and Tajikistan plan to present a united front at COP30, the Ambassador said, calling for the integration of glacier preservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), increased climate finance for glacier-dependent regions, and the formal recognition of cryosphere issues within UNFCCC processes.'By presenting a united front at COP30, the UAE and Tajikistan could elevate the discourse on glacier preservation, ensuring it becomes a central component of global climate action,' he added. The partnership is also looking beyond COP30. Tajikistan and the UAE are collaborating closely in preparation for the 3rd UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal in 2026. Gulov said both countries intend to keep climate and water at the core of their joint diplomatic efforts.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
ENEC, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy sign partnership during World Utilities Congress 2025
27 May 2025 13:10 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) have signed an agreement at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology agreement enables ENEC and GE Vernova Hitachi to further cooperate following the signing of an agreement in 2023 on the sidelines of COP28 UAE to evaluate the technology as part of ENEC's ADVANCE programme for advanced nuclear technology. Nuclear energy is a crucial solution to meeting the current unprecedented demand for reliable, dispatchable, more sustainable power coming from a broad range of customers, including hyperscalers seeking to power data centres that support growth in the AI and technology agreement was signed during a private ceremony at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi, Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC and Maví Zingoni, CEO of GE Vernova's Power segment, exchanged signed agreements as part of their commitment to explore opportunities for international deployment by collaborating on a development roadmap that will include site identification, licensing pathways, investment and commercialisation strategies and supply chain development. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, said, "As we continue to power the UAE with clean, baseload electricity around the clock, we are glad to move to the next level of cooperation with GE Vernova Hitachi to accelerate the deployment of new advanced nuclear reactor technologies in the UAE and internationally. This agreement will bring together our complementary expertise to identify a clear roadmap for deployment, which is essential to ensure safe, efficient and quality-led nuclear delivery, as we have experienced here in the UAE. As global power demand continues to grow at pace, we look forward to advancing new solutions to meet this growth in a sustainable manner."Maví Zingoni, CEO of GE Vernova's Power Businesses, said, "Small modular reactors have an essential role to play in an energy secure future, and we are pleased to advance our collaboration with ENEC as the UAE seeks to be an early mover for nuclear innovation. With construction of the first BWRX-300 moving forward in Canada, collaborating with ENEC further strengthens our ties with the UAE and ability to deliver this technology and achieve a more sustainable energy future."As developer and operator of the four-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi, ENEC brings significant expertise following the successful deployment of civil nuclear energy to power the UAE's grid, aligned to the highest standards of international quality and safety. ENEC is a member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Atlanta Center, and is therefore aligned on US operating standards and regulatory environment, combined with unique expertise in deployment, financing and 25 per cent of the UAE is powered by nuclear energy, with each unit of the plant brought onto the grid in a highly efficient 7.9 years. GE Vernova's Nuclear Power business, through its global alliance with Hitachi, is a world-leading provider of nuclear fuel bundles, services, and advanced nuclear reactor designs. Technologies include boiling water reactors and small modular reactors, such as the BWRX-300, which is one of the simplest, yet most innovative boiling water reactor May 8, the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) approved the deployment of the first BWRX-300 at the Darlington nuclear site in Ontario, Canada. This milestone will make the BWRX-300 the first SMR to be built in the Western world and marked a significant step forward in advancing nuclear from ENEC and GE Vernova Hitachi will now work together to evaluate and develop a comprehensive roadmap for deployment of the BWRX-300. This forms part of ENEC's ADVANCE Program, which was created to accelerate the evaluation and potential deployment of next generation nuclear technologies. Beyond the Barakah plant, ENEC is focused on identifying investment, collaboration, and deployment opportunities both in the UAE and overseas to support the rapid delivery of civil nuclear energy that can drive energy security and sustainability through the provision of clean baseload electricity. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Daily News Egypt
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Environment Minister chairs regional CEDARE meeting ahead of UN desertification role
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, chaired the 18th Board of Trustees meeting of the Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) on Monday, ahead of her upcoming appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The meeting, held at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, brought together senior Arab officials and international partners. Among the attendees were Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli—who co-chaired the meeting—UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna Al-Dahak, Yemen's Minister of Water and Environment Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, and representatives from Jordan, Bahrain, the Arab League, the Islamic Development Bank, the University of Malta, and various UN programs. Egypt was also represented by Ali Abu Senna, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. In her remarks, Fouad, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the SIDAR Board, commended Saudi Arabia's robust technical and financial support to CEDARE, calling it a 'model for institutional revitalization.' She expressed hope that this successful approach could be replicated in other regional organizations, such as the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA). She also praised Khaled Fahmy—CEDARE's interim Executive Director and former Egyptian Environment Minister—for his leadership in revitalizing the center's operations in recent months. Fouad underscored the need for CEDARE to continue aligning with Arab environmental priorities in the face of intensifying regional challenges. Fouad highlighted the strategic importance of Europe's involvement in CEDARE, urging member states to leverage recent political momentum following key climate milestones: Egypt's presidency of COP27, the UAE's leadership at COP28, and Saudi Arabia's forthcoming role as host of COP16 under the UNCCD. She noted that these events provide Arab countries with a timely opportunity to transform climate risks into development opportunities. Addressing the region's most critical environmental threats, she pointed to water scarcity and food insecurity—both exacerbated by climate change. She emphasized the potential of circular economy approaches, developed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, to address these concerns through more efficient water use, waste management, and renewable energy adoption. Fouad called for a full strategic and administrative restructuring of CEDARE to enhance its effectiveness and responsiveness. She encouraged greater involvement from the private sector, viewing it as a key stakeholder in advancing regional sustainability. Concluding her speech, she thanked colleagues at CEDARE and the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, noting this would be her final participation in the meeting as minister before assuming her UN leadership role. In his address, Saudi Minister Al-Fadhli echoed the call for reform, emphasizing the need to redefine CEDARE's mission, strengthen its administrative and financial systems, and enhance its role in fostering Arab-European cooperation on environmental governance. He also highlighted regional sustainability efforts, including the Saudi-led Middle East Green Initiative and recent major UN climate conferences hosted in the region. CEDARE Executive Director Khaled Fahmy congratulated Fouad on her new appointment, reaffirming the center's commitment to fulfilling its mandate amid shifting regional needs. He welcomed ongoing discussions on institutional reforms, strategic planning, and building partnerships with academia and the private sector. During the session, Egypt's representative to the Arab League, Mahmoud Fathallah, presented a proposal to enhance regional collaboration on circular economy frameworks. Eng. Samah Saleh, Head of CEDARE's Sustainable Development Unit, underscored the urgency of improving resource efficiency in response to mounting environmental and economic pressures. The Board of Trustees approved a one-year extension of its current term and reviewed key financial and institutional reports. Discussions focused on governance reforms, partnership development, and setting strategic priorities for CEDARE's next phase.
