Paris deal is history in the making, but more work needs to be done

Globally we must do much more, and quickly, to reverse emission and temperature rises, says Razan K Al Mubarak

A view of the Ghantoot desalination plant. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

The marking of World Earth Day on April 22 was historic. The UAE joined more than 170 countries in New York to sign the Paris climate agreement, making it the largest turnout for a signing ceremony ever.

The agreement adopted in Paris in December last year aims to limit global warming to less than 2°C.

Scientists predict that any rise in temperature above 2°C will trigger uncontrolled warming resulting in processes such as reduced solar radiation reflecting back into space from shrinking ice sheets, and thawing permafrost releasing large quantities of methane, a very potent global warming gas.

Even below 2°C warming will result in significant consequences, such as a sea-level rise affecting low lying coastal areas and island nations such as the Maldives.

Before the conference, the participants submitted climate-change mitigation strategies, known as Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), that were welcomed. However, more needs to be done.

That’s because even if all INDCs are fully implemented, the planet would still warm by 2.7°C. This is an improvement on the current trajectory of 3.6°C but is still well short of the target.

The year 2015 did not bring good news. It was the year when, for the first time, the global temperature reached 1°C above pre-industrial levels. The result can be seen in the bleaching of 93 per cent of corals in the Great Barrier Reef.

This year, for the first time, melting of the Arctic ice officially started in April, which is earlier than before. The frequency and severity of these events is likely to increase as the global temperature rises.

To keep warming to less than 2°C, we need to decarbonise the global economy by 2050.

If we have to achieve that, 75 per cent of the known hydrocarbon reserves in the world will need to stay under the ground, unless we can develop large scale carbon capture and storage.

What does this mean for the UAE? It means we need to diversify our economy away from hydrocarbons. The need for this transition is recognised by our leadership and during the World Government Summit held in Dubai in February, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, outlined a vision for a future without oil.

At the Paris climate conference, the UAE highlighted its position as a global leader in climate action by reiterating the country’s efforts to diversify its economy through innovation, building a knowledge economy and capacity in advanced technology and strengthening cooperation with the international community.

The UAE also confirmed its engagement in a number of international partnerships, including Mission Innovation that aims to accelerate clean energy innovation, the global clean water desalination alliance that aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, and the International Solar Alliance to promote increased generation and deploy solar energy.

Plans to diversify and decarbonise the economy are being implemented. In January last year, the Federal Green Growth Strategy was approved. It aims to create economic and social value from resource efficiency and clean technology. The UAE has an approved target to increase clean energy to 24 per cent by 2021 and raise it to 30 per cent by 2030. Towards this objective, a Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has been created while a council of scientists has been established to review national policy in science, technology and innovation.

In Abu Dhabi, major nuclear and renewable energy projects being implemented will significantly reduce supply side emissions. The implementation of Estidama – which means sustainability in Arabic – to promote sustainable living and resources and the reform of water and electricity tariffs are resulting in efficiency gains.

Masdar, through partnerships, is implementing a renewable energy-powered and cost-effective desalination programme. It is also aiming to develop commercial-scale projects for carbon capture, use and storage. The first phase of Etihad Rail is now operational with the potential to reduce emissions by 60 per cent compared to lorries.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is conducting climate research that will help the Government to form policies on water management, adaptation of ecosystems, coastal protection and food security.

We have started to implement ambitious plans to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in Abu Dhabi as well as at the national level.

However, being present at the signing ceremony in New York, it was clear to me that globally we must do much more, and quickly, to reverse emission and temperature rises. It was also clear that there is a collective will to take action and I am proud that the UAE is adopting a leadership role.

Razan K Al Mubarak is secretary-general of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi