UAE and US announce joint commitment to tackle climate change

The UAE and US outlined their intent to cooperate on new investments in financing regional decarbonisation and to assist the most vulnerable adapt to the effects of climate change.

The joint statement stresses the importance and urgency of raising global ambitions to tackle the issue.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, made the announcement with the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change, John Kerry.

Dr Al Jaber said: "Together with the US, the UAE has affirmed that decisive, proactive climate action can be an engine for economic growth and sustainable development. Building on the legacy and experience of the UAE, which has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to sustainable development and today operates three of the world’s largest solar facilities, we will focus, together with the US, on joint efforts on renewable energy, hydrogen, industrial decarbonization, carbon capture and storage, nature-based solutions, and low-carbon urban design.

"The UAE is rich in opportunities with the world’s lowest solar power costs, and significant carbon capture investments. We look forward to sharing our experience with the international community to turn climate action into economic opportunity."

Noting the progress made by many leading companies, both countries agreed to work closely with the private sector to mobilize the necessary investment and technology resources needed to stem the climate crisis and support the economy.

At the national level, the US and the UAE confirmed their aim work towards decarbonising their economies according to their national circumstances and economic development plans, including reducing carbon emissions by 2030.

They also stressed their commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and promote the success of November's 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow.

The joint statement emerges from the UAE Regional Dialogue for Climate Action that convened climate leaders from across the MENA region and unveiled a new era of cooperation in the region for a future focused on prosperity through climate policy, investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.