Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, expressed the UAE’s strong commitment to climate stability and environmental protection as the countdown to COP28 begins, with just 100 days remaining. She emphasized the UAE’s determination to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance the global goals of the conference.
The UAE views COP28, to be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, as a testament to its achievements and a promising vision for the future. The minister highlighted the conference’s significance in addressing one of humanity’s most critical challenges.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is set to launch initiatives leading up to COP28 that will promote sector-specific environmental and climate goals. The UAE’s strategic plan for COP28 will prioritize sustainability and reinforce the nation’s leadership in this crucial field.
The UAE has increased its emissions reduction target to 40% from 31%, underscoring the call for all nations to enhance their climate commitments. The four pillars of the COP28 agenda—people, inclusivity, the energy transition, and climate finance—were introduced by Sultan Al Jaber, the COP28 President Designate, in July. He also urged global efforts in carbon capture technology, battery storage expansion, renewable energy capacity tripling, and nuclear power expansion.
To build momentum ahead of COP28, four regional environment weeks will be organized, including one in Saudi Arabia. These initiatives and commitments reflect the UAE’s dedication to addressing climate change and its readiness to host COP28.