PARIS // In a statement at Cop21 in Paris on Tuesday Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, stressed the need for a strong legally binding agreement on climate change.
“Climate change has its effect on all of us, changing the economy, politics, humanity, and will continue to shape generations to come,” he said.
“The UAE looks to achieve an agreement with the United Nations that will take action and work towards limiting climate change.”
Dr Al Jaber said the agreement must first and foremost be adaptable by all countries – especially those incapable of financing change the way that a legally binding agreement might require.
He stressed that developed countries must be committed to making a change and helping the world develop sustainable energy solutions.
Majid Al Suwaidi, lead negotiator for the UAE, reiterated this stance.
“Developed countries have a history of contributing to climate change. Countries that only recently began contributing, like the UAE, which is only 44 years old, cannot be expected to do as much,” he said.
Dr Al Jaber said that it was important for the agreement to have a clear indication of how developed countries must help the rest of the world both financially and in technology transfer.
The Minister of State, however, said that despite a difference in the perceived responsibility, the UAE was aiming to dedicate its resources in research and development while also contributing to investments abroad.
“We’ve began our work towards overcoming challenges of climate change years ago and will continue to do so,” he said.
Looking ahead to Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Dr Al Jaber said that what happens in Paris will have its impact on the World Future Energy Summit in the capital, which starts early next year.
“What I can comfortably tell you right now is the political understanding that will be achieved here in Paris will definitely be kicked off into an action plan out of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.”
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
