Saudi sets 2060 target for net zero emissions

Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday that it aims to reach “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, joining more than 100 countries in a global effort to try and curb man-made climate change.

The announcement, made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in scripted remarks at the start of the kingdom’s first-ever Saudi Green Initiative Forum, was timed to make a splash before the start of the global COP26 climate conference to be held in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Crown Prince vowed Saudi Arabia will plant 450 million trees and rehabilitate huge swaths of degregated lands by 2030, reducing

The UAE highly commends the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for such a landmark, bold and long-term strategic initiative. It underlines the vital role this region can and should play in providing practical climate solutions

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber,

UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change

200 million tonnes of carbon emissions and attempting to turn the landlocked city of Riyadh

into a more sustainable capital.

The kingdom joins the ranks of Russia and China on their stated net-zero target date of 2060. The UAE, the US and the European Union have aimed for 2050.

Saudi Arabia says it will reach net-zero through a so-called “Carbon Circular Economy” approach, which advocates “reduce, reuse, recycle and remove”.

Saudi Arabia said the transition to net zero carbon emissions “will be delivered in a manner that preserves the kingdom’s leading role in enhancing the security and stability of global energy markets”. — AP

S audi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman al-saud said on Saturday that Saudi Arabia has the capabilities to produce and integrate new forms of energy into the kingdom’s economy and exports, Asharq TV reported. The kingdom doesn’t see see any contradiction between investing in energy and caring for the climate, he added in an interview with Asharq TV. —