Latest news with #UnitedNationsFrameworkConventiononClimateChange
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
CAA, IATA hold workshop on sustainable aviation emissions in Oman
Muscat – In collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday hosted a workshop focused on the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in the Sultanate of Oman. Titled 'Understanding and Implementing the Requirements of CORSIA in the Sultanate of Oman,' the workshop aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders about the global framework and its potential to deliver both economic and environmental benefits for the country. CORSIA, a programme under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is designed to cap carbon dioxide emissions from international flights at 2020 levels by requiring airlines to offset any increase in emissions beyond that baseline. The workshop highlighted the alignment of CORSIA with international climate agreements, particularly the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Participants were briefed on compliance requirements and the broader implications of CORSIA on the global carbon market and sustainable development initiatives. Key sessions focused on identifying and developing eligible projects under the CORSIA framework, with case studies from the Global Carbon Council and examples of Omani initiatives. These discussions explored ways to integrate local offsetting efforts with international mechanisms, encouraging collaboration among regulators, airlines, and project developers. The event also served as a platform to explore opportunities to expand Oman's participation in the global carbon market through aviation-related sustainability initiatives. It aimed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to develop, endorse, and implement CORSIA-compliant projects that align with the country's climate and development goals. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to support the creation of new carbon offset projects in Oman, foster cross-sector cooperation, and strengthen the nation's environmental credentials in line with best global practices.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
MoECC highlights Qatar's climate adaptation plan steady progress
QNA Doha Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Eng. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud has affirmed that Qatar is moving steadily towards the development and implementation of a comprehensive National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which aims to enhance the country's readiness to confront growing climate challenges and to mitigate their impacts across various vital sectors. This came during his opening remarks at a workshop on 'The Future of Climate Change in Qatar: Assessing Measures and Setting Priorities'. The workshop was attended by representatives from government entities, the private sector, academic institutions and international organizations, and local and international experts. He explained that climate change is no longer merely an environmental issue, but has become an economic and developmental challenge impacting strategic sectors such as water and food security, public health, infrastructure, and biodiversity. The workshop represents a pivotal milestone in the development of the National Adaptation Plan, which is based on a scientific approach and a strategic vision that relies on long-term climate impact assessments and aligns with Qatar's national sustainable development strategies and priorities, HE added. The adaptation plan, he noted, is consistent with the country's commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), particularly regarding the Global Goal on Adaptation outlined in the Paris Agreement. He emphasized that the plan also contributes to enhancing transparency and reporting through national reports submitted to the UN Secretary-General's office on climate change. He pointed out that the proposed measures within this plan have been developed through active participation from various stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, academic institutions, and international organizations reflecting a comprehensive and participatory approach to shaping climate adaptation policy in Qatar. Eng. Al Mahmoud concluded his remarks by stressing that the success of the National Adaptation Plan relies on continued cooperation and coordination among all relevant parties, and on adopting practical and scientifically grounded actions. He called on participants to share their opinions and expertise in support of implementing the priority measures to be adopted at the end of the workshop. The workshop featured a detailed presentation on the criteria selection process used to classify adaptation measures. This was followed by a sectoral vote, where attendees were divided into six groups representing key sectors: agriculture and livestock, water, energy, industries and infrastructure, coastal resilience and biodiversity, and public health. Each group identified top priority adaptation measures within their sector based on the approved criteria. Additionally, the World Café method was adopted to facilitate cross-sector discussions, culminating in a consolidated list of Qatar's climate adaptation priorities. Participants used 'Mentimeter' to contribute to the final prioritisation process.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Environment ministry highlights Qatar's steady progress on comprehensive climate adaptation plan
DOHA: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change HE Eng Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud has affirmed that the State of Qatar is moving steadily towards the development and implementation of a comprehensive National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which aims to enhance the country's readiness to confront growing climate challenges and to mitigate their impacts across various vital sectors. This came during his opening remarks at a workshop titled 'The Future of Climate Change in Qatar: Assessing Measures and Setting Priorities'.The workshop was attended by representatives from government entities, the private sector, academic institutions and international organizations, and local and international experts. He explained that climate change is no longer merely an environmental issue, but has become an economic and developmental challenge impacting strategic sectors such as water and food security, public health, infrastructure, and biodiversity. The workshop represents a pivotal milestone in the development of the National Adaptation Plan, which is based on a scientific approach and a strategic vision that relies on long-term climate impact assessments and aligns with Qatar's national sustainable development strategies and priorities, he added. The adaptation plan, he noted, is consistent with the country's commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), particularly regarding the Global Goal on Adaptation outlined in the Paris Agreement. He emphasized that the plan also contributes to enhancing transparency and reporting through national reports submitted to the UN Secretary-General's office on climate change. He pointed out that the proposed measures within this plan have been developed through active participation from various stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, academic institutions, and international organizationsâ€'reflecting a comprehensive and participatory approach to shaping climate adaptation policy in Qatar. Eng Al Mahmoud concluded his remarks by stressing that the success of the National Adaptation Plan relies on continued cooperation and coordination among all relevant parties, and on adopting practical and scientifically grounded actions. He called on participants to share their opinions and expertise in support of implementing the priority measures to be adopted at the end of the workshop. The workshop featured a detailed presentation on the criteria selection process used to classify adaptation measures. This was followed by a sectoral vote, where attendees were divided into six groups representing key sectors: agriculture and livestock, water, energy, industries and infrastructure, coastal resilience and biodiversity, and public health. Each group identified top priority adaptation measures within their sector based on the approved criteria. Additionally, the 'World Cafe'method was adopted to facilitate cross-sector discussions, culminating in a consolidated list of Qatar's climate adaptation priorities. Participants used 'Mentimeter'to contribute to the final prioritization process.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Impact of US exit from Article 6.4 on global carbon markets
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), represents a historic effort to combat the climate crisis through collective global action. Its central objective lies in limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C" above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C. The agreement, ratified by 196 parties, relies on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline each country's climate action plans and commitments. To facilitate cost-effective emissions reductions, the Paris Agreement incorporates market-based mechanisms under Article 6. These mechanisms are designed to promote international cooperation and investment in sustainable projects by allowing countries to trade carbon credits. Article 6.2 enables bilateral trading through Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), while Article 6.4 establishes a UN-regulated global carbon market, fostering private and public sector participation in emissions reduction initiatives. These frameworks are crucial for ensuring transparency, preventing double-counting, and driving investments in low-carbon technologies. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms has been repeatedly tested by political shifts, particularly in the US. The country's decisions to enter, exit, rejoin, and now re-exit the Paris Agreement have created significant uncertainty for global carbon markets. As the world's largest economy and a major emitter, US engagement plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of international climate policy. The latest withdrawal under the newly elected Trump administration raises fresh concerns about the stability of global carbon trading systems and the broader fight against the climate crisis. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, which imposed binding targets on developed nations, the Paris Agreement requires voluntary commitments from all countries. Each signatory submits an NDC detailing its emissions reduction strategy, with a commitment to increasing ambition over time. Provisions for five-yearly reviews ensure continued global cooperation. A crucial element of the Paris Agreement is the use of market-based mechanisms to achieve emissions reductions more efficiently. Article 6 provides a framework for international collaboration, allowing nations to trade carbon credits, thereby reducing emissions at a lower cost. This includes two key components: Article 6.2, which enables countries to transfer emission reductions through ITMOs, and Article 6.4, which establishes a global carbon market under UN oversight. This market incentivises emission reduction projects, such as renewable energy and reforestation, by allowing credits to be bought and sold internationally. The US's engagement with the Paris Agreement has been inconsistent, influenced by shifting political priorities. President Obama led the country into the agreement, marking a significant commitment to global climate action. However, President Trump withdrew in 2017, arguing that the agreement placed unfair economic burdens on American industries, particularly fossil fuel sectors. This withdrawal created uncertainty about the US's role in international climate policy and weakened global momentum. Upon taking office, President Biden re-entered the Paris Agreement in 2021, reaffirming US commitment to emissions reduction. He set an ambitious target of reducing emissions by 50-52% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. However, most recently, the newly-elected Trump administration has once again withdrawn the US from the Paris Agreement, dealing another blow to global climate cooperation. This inconsistency in US policy has raised concerns about the reliability of its commitments and the stability of global climate action efforts. The withdrawal and re-entry cycles have made it difficult for other nations and businesses to plan long-term investments in emissions reduction projects. The US's exit from Article 6.4 specifically has had notable consequences for carbon markets. As one of the largest economies, the US plays a crucial role in shaping global demand for carbon credits. Uncertainty over its participation has undermined confidence in carbon trading schemes and deterred investment in emissions reduction projects. Trump's withdrawal slowed the development of global carbon trading markets, while Biden's re-entry provided a temporary boost, yet this latest exit further disrupts carbon markets, creating new uncertainties for international efforts to curb emissions and meet global climate targets. The instability of US climate policy has broader repercussions for global carbon markets. Article 6.4, designed to create a robust and transparent international carbon market, relies on major economies' participation to function effectively. The absence of the US disrupts market dynamics, reducing liquidity and weakening investor confidence. The fluctuation in US engagement also affects carbon credit pricing, making it harder for developing nations to attract funding for emission reduction projects. Beyond market implications, the US's wavering stance impacts international climate diplomacy. The Paris Agreement was built on a foundation of collective ambition, and the unpredictability of US participation challenges that cohesion. Other major emitters, such as China and even India, may hesitate to make more ambitious commitments if they perceive the US as an unreliable partner. Developing nations, which depend on financial and technological support from developed economies, face uncertainty in securing resources for their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Looking forward, a stable and sustained US commitment to the Paris Agreement and Article 6.4 is essential for fostering trust and driving investment in global carbon markets. Policy certainty from major economies encourages businesses and governments to participate in emissions trading, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of carbon markets as a climate solution. If the US continues its pattern of policy reversals, it risks undermining international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The US's shifting stance on the Paris Agreement, particularly regarding Article 6.4, highlights the challenges of achieving cohesive global climate action. As a major economy, its participation significantly influences carbon markets, investment flows, and international climate cooperation. While Biden's administration attempted to restore US leadership in climate policy, the return of the Trump administration and the subsequent withdrawal from the Paris Agreement once again cast doubt on global efforts. For the Paris Agreement to remain effective, long-term commitment from all major economies, especially the US, is crucial. The success of carbon markets hinges on policy stability, investor confidence, and international collaboration. Without a consistent and engaged approach, the world risks losing critical time in the fight against climate change. As nations continue to strengthen their climate commitments, the US's role will be pivotal in ensuring carbon markets function as a reliable mechanism for reducing global emissions. Unfortunately, the current US dispensation considers it a waste of time and a waste of money — as if there is another Planet B. However, this also presents an opportunity for India and like-minded countries to keep the fight against the climate crisis alive. This article is authored by Anil Trigunayat, former ambassador and currently distinguished fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation and Kaviraj Singh, CEO & director, Earthood.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi energy minister meets with COP30 president-designate
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman held a meeting with Andrea Correia de Lago, President-designate of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), scheduled to be held this year in November in Belém, in the Amazon region of Brazil. During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of climate action and joint efforts to achieve the goals and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, to reach comprehensive, balanced, and practical outcomes that take into account the national circumstances of member states. They also reviewed Saudi Arabia's initiatives and efforts to address the impacts of climate change, such as: exploiting renewable energy sources, managing, reducing, and removing emissions through the "Green Saudi Arabia" and "Green Middle East" initiatives, implementing the circular carbon economy approach and technologies, and other national and regional programs and initiatives. Holding the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in the Amazon rainforest region of Brazil has symbolic significance. It harks back to the early days of international efforts to protect the environment, with the pivotal "Earth Summit" held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992, which led to the establishment of three environmental treaties on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
