UAE set to announce new climate pledges before COP29

UAE to Release Updated Climate Commitments

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which hosted last year’s COP28, plans to release updated commitments to reduce emissions before the UN-led climate meeting in Azerbaijan this November. These commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), will cover all greenhouse gases and every sector of the economy. The UAE aims to submit its NDCs months before the February deadline.

Call for Global Action on NDCs

Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 president, urged all countries to be “early movers” and submit their NDCs by or before the Baku conference. He stressed the importance of “transformational NDCs backed by serious investment,” calling for concrete signals of climate action.

Al Jaber made these remarks during a high-level event at the UN General Assembly in New York. He also highlighted the opportunity for countries to leverage the energy transition, AI, and the growth of emerging markets, including the Global South.

UAE’s Comprehensive Emissions Reduction Strategy

The UAE’s NDC will cover emissions from key sectors such as energy, industry, transportation, and waste. The country plans to use the latest technologies, including AI, to drive decarbonization efforts. Additionally, the UAE will implement a legal framework to hold all sectors accountable to specific, time-bound goals.

Finance as a Key Factor for Climate Goals

At COP29, a consensus on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance will be vital. Al Jaber emphasized that financing is crucial for achieving 1.5°C-aligned NDCs and ensuring adequate resources for climate adaptation and mitigation. Developing nations expect trillions of dollars from developed countries to support climate action.

Need for Ambitious Climate Plans

UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell warned that the world is heading towards a 2.7°C temperature rise over pre-industrial levels. At the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany, Stiell called for a new round of climate plans, known as NDCs 3.0, to align with the 1.5°C target. He stressed that these plans could drive economic growth, enhance resilience, and improve living standards.

Negotiations at COP29

The upcoming COP29 conference will focus on setting a new financial goal, starting from $100 billion for the post-2025 period. Developing countries want developed nations to fulfill their financial commitments. However, developed nations are pushing to include emerging economies in the list of contributors, a contentious issue in negotiations.

Civil Society Push for Stronger NDCs

In December 2023, 196 countries agreed to transition away from fossil fuels to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, many experts believe the agreement did not go far enough on key issues such as climate targets and financing.

Recently, over 20 civil society organizations sent a letter to governments, including India, urging them to submit new NDCs by 2025 that include sector-specific targets and a commitment to end fossil fuel expansion. These organizations are advocating for tripling renewable energy capacity and ensuring NDCs align with the 1.5°C goal.

The Path Forward

With key announcements expected from Brazil, Azerbaijan, and the UAE, the upcoming climate conference will be critical. Strong, ambitious NDCs can not only curb greenhouse gas emissions but also drive global economic growth. Leadership is essential to unlock these opportunities and ensure a sustainable future for all.