UAE deemed role model for climate-friendly economic activity

The UAE economy has been pegged as the best model of clean energy in the Gulf region for replacing fossil fuel energy sources with climate-friendly ones.

Speaking to the national news agency WAM, Professor Jukka Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of World Meteorological Organisation, emphasised that moving away from energy produced from fossil fuels is crucial in minimising the effects of climate change.

The country has reduced its dependence on fossil fuels at less than 20 per cent, he added. 

With the UAE gearing up to host the COP28 in November, the official praised the UAE's focus on climate action and its decision to invest in clean energy. 

Taalas "reaffirmed that climate change is a serious economic issue and that there are significant threats to the world economy" if action to "mitigate or adapt to climate change during the next 10 years" is not taken.

The World Meteorological Organisation's annual report indicated increased ocean warming, accelerated snow melting, doubled sea-level rise, and a rise in climate disasters worldwide. The report also highlighted water scarcity and forest fires as significant threats.

He added that the Gulf should feel "domestic motivation to climate mitigation activities" as climate change in this part of the world could lead to droughts, sand storms and sea level changes.

He stressed that urgent action is needed to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as agreed upon by the Paris Agreement.

The Secretary-General went on to praise the efforts of moving economic sectors towards sustainable energy, saying that tactics such as the usage of electric vehicles are “part of a clearer picture that is being formulated on how to deal with this challenge”.