Latest news with #naturalresources
The National
7 hours ago
- Science
- The National
Abu Dhabi launches 25-year climate action plan in 'defining moment' for emirate
Abu Dhabi on Wednesday set out a 25-year action plan to address the growing threat of climate change and protect the emirate's precious natural resources for future generations. The comprehensive strategy, announced by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, will focus on bolstering the "highly vulnerable" environmental systems of groundwater, soil and biodiversity, which are viewed as critical to human health, water security and agricultural productivity. The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050) assesses a wide variety of climate-related risks and outlines 142 strategies to be adapted by 2050, including 86 to be introduced in the next five years. 'The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate," said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the agency. "We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage. "This plan is a science-backed, action-oriented road map that will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and thrives to ensure water and food security.' The green drive will seek to boost national efforts to improve food self-sufficiency, support a shift towards more sustainable land and water-management systems and enhance the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. 'This plan sets a new benchmark for environmental resilience in the region," said Sheikha Al Mazrouei, executive director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at the agency. "It offers a clear, science-based pathway to safeguard Abu Dhabi's natural assets from the accelerating impacts of climate change. "Designed to be adaptive and forward-looking, it integrates the latest data, evolving climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure our responses remain effective over time." The climate road map was developed by the environment agency with the support of more than 40 government, semi-government, academic and civil society organisations as well as youth representatives. The long-term plan will be subject to regular review and incorporate new scientific findings when necessary. It is one of four projects being introduced under an emirate-wide adaptation strategy. Future plans will seek to address the energy, health and infrastructure sectors. Building a greener future Abu Dhabi has been at the heart of a national push to enhance climate resiliency and ensure nature is protected from the worst effects of climate change. In May, Abu Dhabi announced an ambitious plan to plant millions of coral colonies by 2030. The project aims to cover more than 900 hectares, making it the world's largest coral rehabilitation project, state news agency Wam reported. The environment agency also launched the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden in May, which involves the installation of 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals of various designs and sizes. It aims to support the growth of marine organisms across 1,200 square kilometres of coastal and deep-sea areas. In May 2024, the agency issued directives to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and hold industries to account for their impact on the environment. The resolution called for all businesses and establishments that need environmental licences to carry out operations to be required to commit to supporting efforts to provide cleaner air. The agency has pledged to monitor and evaluate ambient air quality through a comprehensive environmental monitoring network. It will periodically assess air pollutant levels to ensure they do not exceed maximum limits. Abu Dhabi introduced a single-use plastic ban on June 1, 2022, as part of a major push to protect the environment and reduce pollution in the sea. The campaign has generated significant dividends, with an estimated 360 million plastic bags taken out of circulation by the end of 2024.
E&E News
a day ago
- Politics
- E&E News
Burgum urges House GOP to target Biden-era energy policies
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum urged House Republicans in a meeting Tuesday morning to continue to roll back Biden administration energy policies — and largely glossed over the GOP megabill's energy provisions, according to multiple people in the room. Burgum's early morning speech at Republicans' weekly meeting was an opportunity for members to hear about the Interior Department's energy and natural resources priorities just weeks after Republicans passed their reconciliation bill and as Burgum takes a leading role in President Donald Trump's push to stymie wind and solar. House Republicans are leaving Washington later this week for a six-week recess in which they will work to highlight the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — including its energy and natural resources provisions — while under fire from Democrats who say the bill will increase energy costs and result in project cancellations and layoffs. Advertisement Burgum, meanwhile, is leading the Trump administration's National Energy Dominance Council and working to implement the policies in the megabill. Separately, because of a recent Trump executive order, he is now in charge of personally signing off on any action advancing solar and wind power projects under federal review. 'Priorities were our energy grid, critical minerals, vulnerability — clearly, this administration's priorities are showing that aspect of it — and then unwinding the last four years,' said Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), who served as Interior secretary during the first Trump administration. 'On the EV side of it, rolling back credits for it and making sure that there's a [specific] place for solar,' Zinke said. 'It's just not going to power the AI side of it.' Members leaving Tuesday's meeting said Burgum pressed the importance of continuing to roll back Biden administration laws and regulations that favored renewables. Congress' Republican majorities have already used the Congressional Review Act and their reconciliation bill to repeal and rescind funds for dozens of clean energy and climate programs that Democrats approved in the last Congress. 'They're going back' and looking at Biden-era policies to target, Zinke said of the Interior Department. 'A lot of what they're doing is unwinding the last four years,' he said. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, said Burgum 'talked about domestic mining and energy independence and making sure that we reverse some of the disastrous pieces of legislation and rules brought in by the last administration.' 'We're working at light speed to try to reverse it,' Stauber said. Some members said Burgum discussed the ways in which the One Big Beautiful Bill Act supported the administration's 'energy dominance' agenda but that he did not dive into any specifics. House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) said Burgum 'talked about the wins that were in the bill,' such as 'producing more energy.' He said the secretary's message was 'alluding to the ability to use the resources on our federal lands.' The reconciliation law contains provisions requiring more onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales and provisions to support mining projects. It also includes language to fast-track approvals for certain fossil energy projects. Westerman noted that Burgum highlighted his proposal to develop a 'balance sheet,' or comprehensive inventory, of the United States' federal land and mineral assets. He has said the plan could potentially help maintain or improve the country's credit rating. House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), who hosted the meeting with Burgum, later told reporters that Republicans will use the upcoming August recess to sell the reconciliation bill's wins to constituents. The goal, McClain said, is to 'remind the Democrats that it's the Republicans that are actually unleashing American energy. You know, putting money back into our economy, making us energy-independent again.'
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Indonesia mining ministry proposes 18 development projects for Danantara funding
JAKARTA, July 22 (Reuters) - Indonesia's mining ministry has drawn up a list of 18 projects worth $38.6 billion to develop the country's natural resources and handed them over to sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia on Tuesday for potential investment. Launched earlier this year, Danantara is Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's main vehicle to achieve his 8% economic growth target by 2029 by managing all shares of state-owned enterprises and reinvesting the dividends in commercial projects. The development and acceleration of Indonesia's domestic processing industries is among Prabowo's top economic agenda priorities. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the fund had the capacity to finance and manage the projects. The priority projects include eight projects for the processing of minerals and coal, two which support energy security, while the rest concern energy transition and the processing of agriculture and fishery products, Bahlil said at the handover ceremony. The government has already carried out initial studies on the proposed projects, and transferred to Danantara for further assessment and implementation. The list of projects include oil refineries and storage facilities, a plant to produce solar panels, biofuels for jets, as well as iron and alumina smelters, ministry officials said. Danantara, which recently secured a $10 billion credit line, will invest in the projects if they meet the fund's investment criteria, its CEO Rosan Roeslani told reporters. "The financing can come from Danantara, state-owned can also even invite domestic or foreign private companies to make sure we can employ the best technology," Rosan said.
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Zelenskiy Promotes Allies Who've Shown They Can Deal With US
By , Olesia Safronova, and Daryna Krasnolutska Updated on Save Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's cabinet overhaul this week was part of an effort to move into position presidential loyalists who can potentially win favor with Donald Trump. The new prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, took office 11 weeks after her team at the Economy Ministry secured a deal with the US over access to Ukraine's natural resources.
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Zelenskiy Promotes Allies Who've Shown They Can Deal With Trump
By , Olesia Safronova, and Daryna Krasnolutska Save Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's cabinet overhaul this week was part of an effort to move into position presidential loyalists who can potentially win favor with Donald Trump. The new prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, took office 11 weeks after her team at the Economy Ministry secured a deal with the US over access to Ukraine's natural resources.
