UAE commits to cut carbon emissions by 47% by 2035

UAE submits updated emissions target for 2035: The UAE has 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 the United Nations Cop29 climate summit in Azerbaijan next Monday, positioning the UAE as the first major emitter to submit its updated strategy ahead of the February 2025 deadline.

The updated climate targets cover all major domestic sectors and greenhouse gasses, including the newly added fluorinated gas.

By the 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;
• 79% for new buildings;
• and 35% for agriculture.

No shift in fossil fuel plans: The new NDCs acknowledge that the national economy has been “historically heavily reliant on oil, making the transition to a low-carbon economy more distinct,” however it makes no mention of phasing out fossil fuel production. Nonetheless, the oil and gas sector aims to mitigate its emissions by “integrating substantial amounts of CO2 capture into their operations.”

While the updated NDCs exclude international aviation and shipping sectors, the UAE pledged to advance sustainable aviation fuel production and use and continue 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 government plans to conduct feasibility studies to adjust the plan, while factoring in new opportunities and challenges.

The story got ink in Reuters