UAE shows the way in climate accord

Nation has always been at the forefront of the global commitment to reduce carbon footprint

s the Paris Agreement on climate change rapidly moves closer towards becoming a reality, we must pause to reflect on this watershed moment and applaud the efforts of those pioneering nations, including the UAE, who have provided it unequivocal support. Adopted by 195 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris last December, the agreement calls on all signatories to combat climate change and intensify the actions and investments needed for a low-carbon future. The momentum generated by that meeting has been sustained ever since, and on Wednesday, 31 countries formally signed up to the deal at the UN General Assembly in New York. Apart from the UAE, the other signatories include Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Bangladesh. With the US and China already on board, in total 60 countries representing 48 per cent of global emissions have now legally bound themselves to the Paris accord, much above the minimum threshold of 55 nations. With the reality of the deal now a foregone conclusion, the focus must shift to implementation and accountability — since the ultimate success of the agreement will be determined by its members.

Despite its traditional stature as an energy powerhouse, the UAE has always been proudly at the forefront of the global commitment to reduce carbon footprint and ensure a cleaner future. From a nation that is home to Masdar City, the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) and the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, to becoming the first country in the region to set renewable energy targets, to offering support to the world’s largest offshore wind farm to instituting the Zayed Future Energy Prize, the UAE is an exemplar for the international community. Its portfolio of success in building a clean future is ample evidence of its stewardship of the green-energy community.

And this is exactly the kind of credentials and commitment that will ensure the success of the ambitious goals outlined by the Paris Agreement.

The fact that the treaty is now about to become a reality in less than nine months after its announcement is a testament to the urgency of the crisis the world faces and the need for united and determined action to combat global warming. All current and future signatories to the Paris accord must now pull together to ensure that the deal turns from a mere piece of paper to an undisputable part of our future.