International Energy Forum Commends UAE For Net-Zero 2050 Pledge

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: The Secretary General of the International Energy Forum, Joseph McMonigle, commended the United Arab Emirates on its pledge to reach net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, announced on Twitter that the country had adopted the goal to achieve climate neutrality by mid-century. The announcement was made during the Expo2020 ahead of the COP26 climate change conference due to be held in the UK next month.

"The IEF commends the leadership of the UAE for this ambitious goal, the first such announcement by a Gulf oil exporting nation," said Mr McMonigle.

The announcement brings the UAE, the world's seventh largest oil exporter, into line with several other nations that have pledged to become net-zero by mid-century, including the European Union, South Korea, Canada, and Chile.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said on Twitter: "The UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative announced today is consistent with the longstanding vision of the UAE and its people to make a significant contribution to global sustainability efforts."

Net-zero carbon means the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere is stable or falling. An economy can retain a small amount of fossil fuel use while contributing no CO2 overall, if it balances emissions by removing CO2 through initiatives such as carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration – part of every feasible pathway to 1.5°C assessed by the IPCC – and through tree planting.

"This highlights that there are multiple pathways that individual countries can take to reach their climate goal," Mr McMonigle said.