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UAE submits updated emissions target for 2035: The UAE pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 47% by 2035 in its new national climate plan (pdf). The new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) come ahead of COP29, positioning the country as the first major emitter to submit its updated strategy ahead of the February 2025 deadline. The story got ink in Reuters.
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The updated climate targets cover all major domestic sectors and greenhouse gasses, including the newly added fluorinated gas.
How much emissions will be reduced per sector:
- The UAE plans to reduce emissions by 20% for the transport sector compared to 2019 levels through accelerated adoption of EVs;
- 50% for power and water compared to 2019 levels;
- 37% for the waste sector, aiming to divert 50% of landfill waste by 2025 and 80% by 2031 through increased recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives;
- 27% for the industrial sector;
- 79% for new buildings; and
- 39% for agriculture.
No shift in fossil fuel plans: The new NDCs make no mention of phasing out fossil fuel production despite COP28’s language stressing a “transition away” from fossil. The plan, however, aims to mitigate emissions from oil and gas by “integrating substantial amounts of CO2 capture into their operations.”
There is another catch in the plan: International aviation and shipping sectors emissions and targets are not included, but the plan said the UAE is committed to advancing sustainable aviation fuel production and use and seeking green shipping corridors to meet decarbonization goals for these sectors. The UAE plans to upscale the production of e-kerosene for sustainable aviation fuel and green or blue ammonia and methanol for shipping, expecting a “significant ramp-up post-2030.”
How it plans to get there: The target will be pursued through a “diversified strategy,” which hinges on expanding solar capacity, deploying nuclear energy, and increasing waste-to-energy initiatives. The country also plans to conduct feasibility studies to adjust the plan, while factoring in new opportunities and challenges.
IN OTHER RELATED COP NEWS-
Brazil announces new climate pledge but is yet to release updated NDC: Brazil — one of the world’s major carbon emitters and also home to the world’s major natural carbon sink the Amazon — announced it aims to cut emissions by 59-67% by 2035 compared to 2005 numbers.
