US special climate envoy John Kerry says the UAE’s strategic net-zero initiative is an example for other energy-producing nations to follow.
The UAE announced the initiative on Thursday to reduce carbon emissions by 2050, which includes plans to invest Dh600 billion in clean and renewable energy sources in the next three decades.
Writing on Twitter, John Kerry said: "Sticking to 1.5 C requires ambitious climate commitments. I salute UAE for heeding the call ahead of Cop26.
"Mohamed bin Zayed's Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative is an example for other energy-producing nations. We must take strong action in this critical decade."
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he looked forward to the UAE submitting a new climate action plan and encouraged other Gulf states to follow.
"I welcome the announcement by the United Arab Emirates of its intention to achieve net zero emissions by 2050," he said.
"I look forward to the UAE submitting a new climate action plan in line with this ambitious vision & encourage other Gulf states to follow this example ahead of Cop26."
The UAE's net-zero announcement came ahead of the crucial Cop26 climate conference in Glasgow next month, which has been described as the most important summit since the Paris Agreement in 2015.
The strategic initiative aligns with the Paris deal. Agreed to in 2015 and signed by 195 countries, including the UAE, the objective of the Paris deal is to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Britain has described Cop26 as the “last best chance” to avert climate catastrophe brought about by global warming.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson described the UAE decision as "a significant step in tackling climate change".
"Fantastic news that the UAE has become the first Gulf country to commit to Net Zero emissions by 2050," said Mr Johnson.
"This is a significant step in tackling climate change and I hope more countries commit to Net Zero ahead of Cop26."
Cop26 president Alok Sharma said he hoped the "historic announcement" would urge others in the region to make similar commitments.
"I am delighted that the UAE has announced it will reach net zero carbon by 2050," Mr Sharma wrote on Twitter.
"As the first net zero carbon commitment in the Gulf, this is an historic announcement I look to others in the region to also announce ambitious climate action commitments ahead of Cop26."
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Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
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A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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