DUBAI, 24 March 2022 (WAM), — The UAE Council for Climate Change and Environment hosted its first meeting in 2022. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri was the Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
Minister said that the UAE has been a leader in climate action over its three decades. This is due to its visionary leadership. We reached a significant milestone last year with the launch the UAE Net Zero by 2020 Strategic Initiative.
She said, “As part of the efforts of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, MOCCAE, and strategic partners from the private and public sectors, the UAE Council for Climate Change and Environment meets regularly to review the progress of the implementation of the UAE’s climate initiatives in line with the Principles of the 50 which seek to promote sustainable economic growth and create a better future for the present and future generations.”
Participants gave an overview of the objectives, tasks and achievements of the council during its first cycle (2016-2019) and the second cycle (2020-2022), as well as its current organizational structure. The council’s proposed new structure was discussed by the participants. It includes the formation of the UAE Council for Climate Action and UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work. The new model will increase the focus on issues of shared interest between concerned entities in UAE, such as climate neutrality and environmental protection, as well as municipal work. It will also help to align efforts and improve efficiency in implementing national plans and strategies. It will also define roles and responsibilities according to current and future developments.
Additionally, the council members reviewed the progress made by the UAE Net Zero By 2050 Strategic Initiative, which was launched in Oct 2021. They discussed the process for developing an implementation strategy. This included a status quo assessment, analysis of emissions and sources, the required legislative framework and evaluation of potential threats from climate change.
The meeting included updates on the nation’s drive to plant 100,000,000 mangroves by 2030. This was announced at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference. It was a bid to increase climate change mitigation, adaptation capacities, preserve the marine environment, conserve natural resources, and biodiversity in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants were briefed regarding the mangrove plantation target’s implementation plan. This will be done in collaboration with the federal government, local environmental agencies, the private sector and public welfare associations. The multi-phased strategy includes an assessment of mangrove cover, the identification of areas and the number of trees per location, and the execution of seedling plant programmes.
